The leading Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has urged former Military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), to seek forgiveness and apologize to the Igbo community for his recent comments regarding the Biafra civil war.
Okechukwu Isiguzoro, a prominent member of Ohanaeze, criticized Gowon’s remarks as provocative and called on him to initiate steps towards reconciliation. Isiguzoro emphasized that Gowon’s recent statements, made during his meeting with Bola Tinubu, have reopened old wounds and caused distress among Igbo people both within Nigeria and abroad.
The factional Secretary-General of Ohanaeze expressed disappointment in Gowon’s choice of words and his portrayal of the Biafra war, stating that they have deeply wounded the Igbo community’s collective spirit.
During his tenure from 1966 to 1975, Gowon recalled facing criticism for his handling of the civil war and being accused of sluggishness in its prosecution.
The factional Secretary-General of Ohanaeze, while condemning Gowon’s remarks, urged him to contemplate the repercussions of his actions during the Biafra civil war and their lasting impact.
A statement by Isiguzoro reads: “In response to the incessant and inflammatory comments made by the former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, regarding the experiences of the Biafra war, Ohanaeze Ndigbo issues a resolute and imperative call for reconciliation and healing to be initiated by Gowon himself.
READ ALSO: Gowon Declines Invitation by FG, ECOWAS to Address Regional Crisis
“It is with unwavering conviction that we assert that the time has come for Gowon to take responsibility for his role in the tragic events of the past. His repetitive glorification of the suppression of the Biafran struggle does a disservice to national unity and healing.
“We remind General Gowon that his continued existence, especially amidst the over 3 million Igbo lives lost during the war, is a divine opportunity for him to seek redemption and offer genuine apologies for the pain and suffering inflicted upon the Igbo people.
“It is incumbent upon Gowon to acknowledge the atrocities, confess to any misdeeds, and sincerely apologize to the Igbo community for the role he played in the conflict.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo emphasizes that only through sincere reconciliation, rooted in genuine remorse and penitence, can lasting peace and harmonious co-existence be achieved in our nation.
“The endurance of the Igbo people, their forgiveness, and their commitment to national development are undeniable, yet the scars of the past persist as long as Gowon chooses to reopen old wounds with his insensitive comments.
“It is crucial for General Gowon to rise above personal pride and demonstrate true leadership by making amends for the sins of the past.
“As Igbos continue to contribute positively to the development of Nigeria and support the government of President Tinubu, it is incumbent upon Gowon to reciprocate by fostering an environment of healing and reconciliation through his actions and words.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo implores General Yakubu Gowon to seize this rare opportunity to seek forgiveness, offer sincere apologies, and desist from further inflaming the painful memories of the Biafra war.
“It is time for Gowon to exhibit humility, righteousness, and empathy towards the victims of the war, thereby paving the way for genuine reconciliation and lasting peace in our beloved nation.”
