In response to concerns raised after wishing former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, a happy birthday, Peter Obi urged Nigerians to focus on the future rather than remain stuck in the past.
Obi’s birthday message for Gowon sparked some backlash on social media, with many reminding him of the painful history surrounding the Nigerian Civil War.
Responding to the criticism, Obi, a former governor and presidential candidate for the Labour Party, shared his perspective on the matter in a conversation with a social Activist and team lead of Free Nigeria Movement, Moses Paul (DrMo), over the negative reactions.
Obi explained that his comment was about Gowon’s life after being removed from office, not about the war itself. He praised Gowon for handling his removal with grace and remaining committed to Nigeria.
However, he acknowledged the painful history of over 50 years ago, including the civil war, which affected him personally.
He also shared that when he was governor, Gowon visited his state and led a national prayer for Nigeria.
According to Obi in the conversation with DrMo, “I have always told you, never to dwell on yesterday, to agonize over it, or remain unforgiving. We cannot be trapped by the events of the past. Instead, we must be grateful to God for today and look forward to tomorrow with hope.”
“I understand the negative comments, and I deeply regret the painful history that took place over 50 years ago, though I know little firsthand, only what I have been told. It is a sad chapter for many, including my own family. My father, unfortunately, lost his thriving business during that period and passed away, which remains a deep personal loss for me.”
“My comment today, however, was about General Gowon’s removal from office and the grace with which he has handled those difficult events. It wasn’t about the war itself. The focus was on the life he has led since his removal, and his remarkable ability to remain prayerful and steadfast in his commitment to Nigeria.”
“When I was governor, he visited my state, and we spoke as father and son. He even led a national prayer for Nigeria in my state. Our discussions were never about the war—we spoke about the future of Nigeria, and his concern was always for the country’s progress, not his past or the people who removed him from office.”
However, MrMo, in his own words, said, “Peter Obi has always shared with me his deep respect and personal closeness to ‘Ikemba’ Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. He regarded Ojukwu as a true hero, someone whose leadership and vision he admired greatly. Peter Obi’s loyalty to Ojukwu was resolute until his last days, and he took it upon himself to ensure that Ojukwu received a befitting burial, one that remains unmatched to this day, honoring his legacy with the dignity it deserved.”
“Mr. Peter Obi’s commitment goes beyond personal ties; he is determined to see a future that works for everyone. His vision for Nigeria is one of unity and progress, where the mistakes of the past do not hold us back or divide us. Instead, he believes in learning from history and building a better and greater future for generations to come.”
“Tell me, is there any nation today that hasn’t faced civil war? From America to Great Britain, many have painful histories of war, yet they are not trapped by the past. Instead, they have forgiven, not forgotten, and used that healing to build successful futures.”
“People need to be closer to PO to truly understand how forgiving and loving he is. He is always looking ahead, desperately focused on building a better and greater future for all Nigerians irrespective of tribe and religion and most importantly for the generations to come.”
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