Role I played in Nigerian civil war not my choice — Gowon

Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), has reflected on the Nigerian Civil War (July 6, 1967 – January 15, 1970), calling it the most challenging phase of his life and emphasizing that the role he played during the conflict was not one he willingly chose.

Gowon shared these thoughts in Abuja on Saturday while receiving a Lifetime Integrity and Achievement Award at the 5th Convention of the Christian Men’s Fellowship, Anglican Diocese of Abuja.

The convention, themed “Men of Honour: Living with Integrity in a Culture of Deceit.”

Addressing the audience, Gowon clarified that his wartime decisions were guided by the need to preserve the unity of the country rather than any animosity toward any group.

“I always remember the civil war. It was the most difficult period of my life.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 a hatred against any people, I can assure you,” he said.

Reflecting on life after the war, Gowon explained that he has consistently relied on faith to guide his actions and maintained a commitment to acting with integrity.

“As far as this heart is concerned, everything that I do, it is through prayers.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.

He praised Nigeria’s progress since the end of the conflict and urged citizens to embrace peace, forgiveness, and unity, transcending ethnic and religious divides.

The event’s chairman, former President Goodluck Jonathan—represented by John-Kennedy Opara, former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission—commended the awardees for their integrity and commitment.

“These men have touched lives, and God has used them in different ways to touch the nation.The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him, and He will show them His covenant,” he said, quoting Psalm 25:14.

Archbishop Henry Ndukuba, Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), who presided over the convention, called on Christians to stand firm in truth and integrity.

“This is because when the home is strong, the church will be, and the society also. So we want to encourage people to be unashamedly Christians.They owe nobody any apology for doing the right thing; many good people are not taking their stand, and that is why evil men thrive.They should stand unashamedly for the right, for the truth and also fight for that which is good and I believe that with time, the light will shine brighter and brighter,” he said.

He also cited Psalm 15:1-5, urging believers to cultivate four key traits—Heart, Head, Habit, and Humility—as signs of true honour and integrity.

Isaac Chukwudi, President of the Christian Men’s Fellowship, Abuja Diocese, said the theme was chosen in response to the widespread erosion of integrity in the nation.

“Integrity is so scarce, both at home and in government, and that was why we chose the theme to instill in men the spirit of the living well.We need to build integrity from the home, and these are the men to speak to where the leaders will emerge from to better the situation in Nigeria,” he stated.