surrender, Effiong believed that the situation was hopeless and that prolonging the conflict would have led only to the further destruction and starvation of the people of Biafra. At that time Effiong said, "I am convinced now that a stop must be put to the bloodshed which is going on as a result of the war. I am also convinced that the suffering of our people must be brought to an immediate end." Nnaemeka L. Aneke wrote, "General Efiong’s handling of Biafra’s surrender is one of the most tactical and devoted maneuvers ever seen on the Nigerian scene. Those who do not appreciate the depth of it may not have appreciated what was at stake as Biafra capitulated." Many observers had expected wholesale retribution at war's end. Later life In a 1996 interview, Effiong reflected on those events: 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. . . . I felt that I played a role which has kept this country united till today. . . . At the end of it all when I saw they (Biafran soldiers) could no longer continue and Ojukwu had fled, I did what was ideal after wide consultation . . . Efiong died 6 November 2003, at the age of 77 less than two weeks before his 78th birthday. References "Bidding farewell to 2003", Daily Times of Nigeria, 7 January 2004, lists the date of death as 7 November 2003, and the age at death as 79, perhaps because the death date was so close to Efiong's 79th birthday. The Biafra-Nigeria Civil War of 1967–70 http://www.philip-effiong.com/Dad-Memory The site of Philip Effiong the Second 1925 births 2003 deaths People from Akwa Ibom State Presidents of Biafra Vice presidents Biafran Armed Forces personnel