Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has clarified his decision to congratulate General Yakubu Gowon on his 90th birthday amidst mixed reactions from Nigerians.
Obi, an Igbo man himself, acknowledged the divisive nature of Gowon’s legacy, particularly regarding the Nigerian Civil War. “I share in some of the sentiments expressed publicly and privately to me,” he said.
In a Sunday afternoon post on his official X account, he lectured his supporters across the nation on the importance of forgiveness and moving forward, stating, “The ultimate heroism is forgiving the enemy and moving forward,” and citing biblical teachings on forgiveness.
He referenced the national burial given to Biafra leader Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu in 2012, during his tenure as Anambra State governor, as a symbol of Nigeria’s willingness to reconcile.
In the statement, Obi recognized that his congratulatory message to Gowon might not align with some individuals, especially direct victims of the war, but stressed that “anger, hurt, and bitterness” only fuel sectarianism and blood feuds. Instead, he advocated for forgiveness, stating, “Forgiveness is more a process than an instinct. It sets the person doing it free.“
Obi emphasized his dedication to building a new Nigeria free from ethnic, religious, and regional divisions. He stated, “What Nigeria urgently needs to thrive in the future is good governance, which can only develop and flourish in true peace and justice.“
He also urged those angered by his greetings to bear with him and join the mission to create a just and peaceful Nigeria.
Gen Yakubu Gowon turned 90 years old on October 19 and was the head of the military government that prosecuted the Nigerian-Biafran civil war in which an estimated 3 million people died, mostly civilians of the secessionist Biafran Republic, which was predominated by ethnic Igbo tribe.
Comment, Like 👍, share this article, and Follow us on our social media handles.
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
