By Dayo Benson & James Ezema

LAGOS—A former Chief of Army Staff and ex-Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant-General Alani Akinrinade (rtd), yesterday warned  that the country risks disintegration unless true federalism is restored.

He also regretted his participation in the Nigerian-Biafran civil war.

Akinrinade said if he had known that the country would find itself in its present  state, he would not have fought in the war to keep the country together.

He  spoke at a forum, “The New Nigeria Dialogue” organised by the International Centre for Reconstruction and Development to mark the 55th birthday of Pastor Tunde Bakare of  the Latter Rain Assembly in Lagos.

According to him, ”If I had known that the country would turn to what it is today, I would not have fought the civil war to keep Nigeria one.”

He stressed that as a soldier he would fight to defend the country against external aggressors but would never fight internal war again.

He described the sacrifice and patriotic duty as a waste of time and efforts, declaring that post-civil war Nigeria is not a country of his dream.

Speakers, including Professor  Ropo Sekoni, Mr. Alfred Ilenre, Chief Fred Agbeyegbe and Mr. Tony Nnadi spoke on: ”The Nigerian Federation: Fundamental Flaws and Creative Reforms.”

At the event, chaired by ex-governor of Lagos State, Rear-Admiral Ndubusi Kanu (rtd), were ex-Osun State Gov, Chief Bisi Akande; Dr. Amos Akingba, Mr. Wale Oshun, Mrs. Jumoke Anifowose, Mr. Tokunbo Ajasin, Mr. Bisi Adegbuyi, Mr. Adedapo Adeniran, Mr. Sam Ayedogbon and others.