Gowon Reflects on Civil War, Describes It as Most Difficult Period of His Life
Gowon Reflects on Civil War, Describes It as Most Difficult Period of His Life
Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has described the Nigerian Civil War as the most challenging time of his life, stressing that his decisions during the conflict were motivated by a commitment to national unity, not animosity.
Gowon shared these reflections on Saturday in Abuja, where he was honoured with a Lifetime Integrity and Achievement Award at the 5th Convention of the Christian Men’s Fellowship, Anglican Diocese of Abuja.
Speaking about the 30-month war that raged between 1967 and 1970, Gowon emphasized that his leadership during that period was shaped by a deep sense of duty to preserve Nigeria’s unity.
“I always remember the Civil War—it was the most difficult period of my life,” he said. “It was not my choice, but I had to be there and do what I did to keep this country together. It was never out of hatred for any people, I can assure you.”
Gowon noted that prayer and a desire to act with integrity have always guided his decisions.
“Everything I do comes from a place of prayer,” he explained. “I ask God to help me do what is right, in the way He wants it done—with love and respect for everyone.”
Reflecting on the aftermath of the war, Gowon reiterated his commitment to national reconciliation, invoking the well-known phrase associated with the conflict’s end: “No victor, no vanquished.”
This philosophy, he said, has long shaped his approach to leadership and post-war healing. He previously echoed similar sentiments in a 2015 convocation lecture at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, where he emphasized that no single group or community can meet all of Nigeria’s challenges alone.
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