By Seun Opejobi The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has charged former Military Head of State, General Yakub...
By Seun Opejobi
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo,
has charged former Military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd) to seek
forgiveness and apologize to Igbos over his latest remark on Biafra civil war.
A chieftain of Ohanaeze, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, who described
Gowon’s remark as inflammatory, urged him to move for reconciliation.
Isiguzoro said Gowon’s latest remark following his visit to
President Bola Tinubu, has reopened old wounds and inflicted anguish upon the
Igbo community, both at home and in the diaspora.
The factional Secretary-General of Ohanaeze said Gowon’s
choice of words and narrative regarding the Biafra war has been insensitive and
deeply hurtful to the collective psyche of the Igbo people.
Gowon, who ruled Nigeria between 1966 and 1975, had recalled
how he was criticized that he could not prosecute the civil war because he was
slow.
Condemning the remark, the factional Secretary-General,
challenged Gowon to reflect on his actions and the enduring consequences of the
Biafra civil war.
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.
“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.”
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