Former Nigerian Military Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, has identified the Biafra civil war as the “most painful episode in Nigeria’s history.”

Gowon, however, insisted that the military preserved Nigeria’s unity during the civil war.

The former ruler, who spoke in Abuja on Wednesday, also affirmed that military rule stifled democratic development and civil liberties in Nigeria.

According to Gowon, “On one hand, the military preserved national unity during the civil war.

“We built infrastructure, created states to bring the government closer to the people, and at times restored order when civilian structures faltered.

“On the other hand, I must acknowledge that military rule stifled democratic development, sometimes violated civil liberties, and created structures that enabled corruption.”

Despite these shortcomings, Gowon expressed hope that the Nigerian military would forge a better democratic future.

Gowon also noted that a technologically sophisticated and intelligence-driven military would effectively tackle insecurity.

The former Head of State also attributed the peace and economic development in Nigeria to the contribution of the military.