Former Biafran Chief of General Staff, Philip Effiong, said he had no regrets about his involvement in the Nigerian Civil War, maintaining that his actions helped preserve lives and ultimately contributed to Nigeria’s unity.
Speaking in a 1996 reflection on the war, Effiong said the conflict cost him his property, dignity, and even his name, but insisted the sacrifices were worthwhile because he helped save lives on both the Biafran and Nigerian sides.
“I have no regrets whatsoever of my involvement in Biafra or the role I played. The war deprived me of my property, dignity, my name. Yet, I saved so many souls on both sides and by this, I mean Biafra and Nigeria,” he said.
Effiong also stated that he believed his decisions during the final days of the war played a significant role in keeping Nigeria united. According to him, after extensive consultations and following the departure of Biafran leader Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, he concluded that the best course of action was to act in the interest of the people as Biafran forces could no longer continue fighting.
His remarks remain one of the notable reflections on the events that brought the Nigerian Civil War to an end and continue to feature in discussions about the conflict and national reconciliation.
Credit: North Book
