Former Military Head of State Yakubu Gowon has described the Biafra civil war period as the most difficult in his life.
Gowon, who was the leader of the country during the civil war from July 6, 1967 to January 15, 1970, said it was never his choice but he had to prosecute it.
The former military general said this at the fifth convention of the Christian Men’s Fellowship in Abuja after being honoured with the Life Time Integrity and Achievement Award.
He noted that he had to prosecute the war not because of hatred towards any group of people but to safeguard the country’s togetherness.
“I always remember the civil war,” he said. “It was the most difficult period of my life.
“The Biafra war 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.”
The former leader said he sought God’s guidance and asked Him 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.”
The civil war was one of the horrific moments in Nigeria history – it left around 3 million people dead.
The war ended after Biafran leader Odumegwu Ojukwu Fled the country and the subsequent surrender of the forces.
