Because I declared war on Biafra, by Gowon

The former head of state, General Yakubu Gowon (RTD), described the period of the Nigerian civil war (from 6 July 1967 to 15 January 1970) as the most difficult period of his life.

Gowon made him known on Saturday in Abuja after being honored with a prize for the integrity and achievement of life to the 5th Convention of the Christian Fellowship, the Anglican Diocese of Abuja.

The event has as its theme: “Men of Honor: living with integrity in a culture of deception”.

Gowon explained that his decisions of declaring the war in Biafra have never been guided by hatred, but by a difficult need to preserve national unity.
Millions of Nigerians and Biafrans died in the civil war.
He urged people to always support the truth and underlined the need for forgiveness, reconciliation and units through faiths and ethnic groups.

“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 I had to do what I did to keep this country together.

“It has never been a hatred against people, I can assure you,” he said.

Reflecting on life after that period, the former head of state stressed that his decisions had often been guided by prayers and the desire to act with integrity and compassion.

“As for this heart, everything I do, is through prayers.

“I ask God to help me do the right thing in the way he thinks he should be done, with love and respect for all people.

“That’s why, in the end, what do we have to say? How do you say: no winner, no defeat,” he added.

Gowon also praised the progress that Nigeria has made from the civil war.

He invited all citizens to support government’s efforts to support peace, love and mutual respect.
The president of the occasion, the former president of Goodluck Jonathan, represented by John-Kennedy Opara, former executive secretary of the Nigerian commission Christian Pilgrims, congratulated the honors for their consistency in living with integrity.

He said: “These men touched life and God used them in different ways to touch the nation.

“The secret of the Lord is with those who fear him, and will show them his alliance.”

Citing Psalm 25:14, he invited men to live well and support integrity, regardless of the situation.

The primate of the church of Nigeria (Anglican communion), Archbishop Henry Ndukuba, who presided over the agreement, praised the honors and urged Christians to support the truth, integrity and courage.

According to him, the theme of the program is suitable because it is necessary to encourage Christians to defend the Lord directly from their homes.

He also encouraged Christians to remain strong in society, their workplaces and their activities.

Anglican primates said that Nigeria needed men and women of honor and integrity, leaders willing to serve the people and not to accumulate richness in a corrupt way.

“This is because when the house is strong, the Church will be and also society. So we want to encourage people to be shamelessly Christian.

“They don’t have to excuse anyone for doing the right thing; many good people do not take a position, and this is why evil men thrive.

“They should shamelessly resist for the law, to truth and also fight for what is good and I believe that over time, the light will shine more and more bright,” he said.

Citing Psalm 15: 1-5, he stressed that God was still looking for men and women of honor and integrity, which are defined by those who described as the “four hs”.

He listed the four attributes to include the heart, head, habit and humility.

Isaac Chukwudi, president of the male Fellowship Christian, diocese of Abuja, said that the choice of the theme of the event was informed by the prevalence of the failure of integrity in the country.

“The integrity is so scarce, both at home and in the government, and this is why we have chosen the theme to instill the spirit of the living good in men.

“We must build integrity from home, and these are the men to talk to where the leaders will emerge from to improve the situation in Nigeria,” he said.

Two other non -Amenaries were also honored in recognition of their exemplary service for the Church, the nation and humanity.

I am dr. Christopher Kolade, former Nigerian high commissioner in the United Kingdom, and Owelle Gilbert Chikelu, former minister of the institution and president of the Guaranty Trust Bank.