War With Biafra Was ‘Unfortunate”- Gowon

Nigeria’s former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), says the nation’s Civil War was not meant to defeat the Republic of Biafra, saying it was necessary to preserve the unity of the country.

The former leader said this on Saturday at his 90^th birthday thanks giving service held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Gowon spoke amidst the threat posed by secessionist groups to Nigeria’s unity, prominent among which are the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB and Yoruba Nation group.

The two groups are demanding separate countries for the Igbo and Yoruba people  living in the south east and south west parts of the country.

The magazine reported that one of the leaders of Yoruba Nation, Sunday Igboho recently submitted a letter demanding the south west separation from Nigerian to the British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer.

The event was attended by some prominent Nigerians including  President Bola Tinubu, represented by his wife, Senator Oluremi; former President Goodluck Jonathan, ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, state governors amongst others.

The Civil War was fought for three years, 1967 and 1970 between the Nigerian government and secessionist Biafran Army led by late Gen Odumegwu Ojukwu.

It ended with the total surrender of the Biafran Army.

Speaking yesterday, Gen. Gowon who was accompanied by his wife, Victoria said the war was necessary to unite the country, stressing that his government was able to bring the was to end with the support of Nigerians. .

Gowon: “We fought an unfortunate civil war to keep the country together and, in the end, we did it as one. Yes, it is not a question of a defeat of any part of the country, but to ensure that, yes, they are back in the country.

“And it’s Nigeria that really won in the end: Nigeria was the victor and not any part of Nigeria over the other. I thank God for that. We must continue as one Nigeria and make Nigeria great.

“I thank you for the support given to me, the prayers, and for the peace and stability of the country. And for the good people of Nigeria, we did our best and I can assure you as l said that the support of the people encouraged me to go ahead.”