Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Igbo socio-cultural organization, has urged former Nigerian head of state, General Yakubu Gowon to seek forgiveness and sincere apologies for his latest remark on Biafra civil war, describing it as insensitive and inflammatory.
While addressing journalists after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu, Gowon, who ruled Nigeria between 1966 and 1975, had recalled how they said he could not prosecute the civil war because he was slow.
Reacting to the comment, a chieftain of Ohanaeze, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, in a statement said the remark has reopened old wounds and inflicted anguish upon the Igbo community, both at home and in the diaspora.
Isiguzoro condemned the remark as inflammatory and insensitive and charged Gowon to reflect on his actions and the enduring consequences of the Biafra civil war.
The statement 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.”
