Yakubu Gowon, the former military head of state, says the
duration of the Nigerian civil war was the most difficult period of his life.
Gowon was head of state during the civil war which lasted
from July 6, 1967 to January 15, 1970.
Speaking on Saturday at a convention of the Christian Men’s
Fellowship, Abuja Anglican Diocese, Gowon said the decisions he took during the
civil war were not driven by hatred but the interest of the country.
The ex-military leader urged Nigerians to embrace
forgiveness, reconciliation, and unity across faiths and ethnicities.
“I always remember the civil war. It was the most difficult
period of my life,” NAN quoted Gowon as saying.
“It was not my choice, but I had to be there, and had to do
what I did in order to keep this country together.
“It was never hatred against any people, I can assure you.”
Reflecting on his post-war lifestyle, he said his life has
been anchored on prayers to God, love and respect for everyone.
“As far as this heart is concerned, everything that I do, it
is through prayers,” Gowon said.
“I ask God to help me to do the right thing the way He
thinks it should be done, with love and respect for all the people.
“That is why, at the end, what do we have to say? As they
say: no victor, no vanquished.”
He added that Nigeria has made significant progress after
the civil war.
Gowon was honoured with the lifetime integrity and
achievement award at the convention.
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One day, Tinubu will put all these things he is doing in a book, gather Nigerians, call professors and they will be speaking English and laughing.
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