Prime Igbo socio-cultural group Ohanaeze Ndigbo has known as on the previous Head of State, Normal Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), to apologize for current “inflammatory” feedback on the expertise of the Nigerian Civil Struggle.
Ohanaeze additionally mentioned his feedback “reopened deep wounds” among the many Igbo individuals.
In a strongly worded assertion launched on Sunday, Ohanaeze Secretary-Normal Okechukwu Isiguzoro mentioned Gowon's feedback throughout a February 21 go to to President Bola Tinubu had been a “deliberate assault on the collective Igbo psyche” and a “lack of confirmed empathy” for the struggling individuals. brought on by the 1967-1970 conflict.
“We problem Gowon to replicate on his actions and acknowledge the necessity for reconciliation and repentance,” Isiguzoro mentioned. “His steadfast refusal to acknowledge the ache and struggling brought on by the conflict demonstrates a failure to know the gravity of his position in that darkish interval of our historical past.”
The group claimed that Gowon's survival for greater than 5 many years, regardless of an estimated three million Igbo lives misplaced within the conflict, gave him a “distinctive alternative for redemption and reconciliation.”
“As a professing Christian, we implore Gowon to heed the decision of conscience and take needed steps to hunt forgiveness from the Igbo individuals by admitting his errors, revealing the reality behind the Aburi Accord and a honest to apologize,” he added.
Isiguzoro mentioned Gowon's “repeated insensitive feedback” undermined Igbo reconciliation efforts regardless of their “demonstrated forgiveness and dedication to nationwide growth.”
He known as on the previous head of state to “seize this important second to place apart the vestiges of the previous, embrace humility and situation a long-overdue apology,” saying this may pave the way in which for “actual reconciliation” and “lasting peace and peace”. concord.”
The Nigerian Civil Struggle, also called the Biafra Struggle, began on July 6, 1967 and ended on January 15, 1970. It was a civil conflict between Nigeria and the Republic of Biafra, a secessionist state that had declared its independence from Nigeria. in 1967.
Nigeria was led by Gowon whereas Biafra was led by Lieutenant Colonel Chukwuemeka “Emeka” Odumegwu Ojukwu.
