Ohanaeze seeks apology from Gowon over civil war comments  

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo faction led by Chidi Ibeh has taken former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, to task over some recent comments he made regarding the Biafra war experience.

In a statement by its Secretary General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the organisation issued what it called ‘’a direct and resolute call for reconciliation and healing,” entitled, ‘Best Time for Gowon to Apologise to Igbo Now He’s Alive, and to Heal the Wounds of the War Forever.’

It said that the comments attributed to Gowon, following his visit to President Bola Tinubu on February 21, 2024, ‘’have, once again, reopened deep wounds and inflicted profound hurt upon the Igbo nation, both within Nigeria and across the Diaspora.

The statement said: “We note, with concern, the inflammatory nature of Gowon’s statements, and the deliberate targeting of the collective Igbo psyche.’

Ohanaeze said that Gowon’s continuous reiterating of his version of events during the Biafra War over the past 54 years is a source of distress to Igbo people.

It added: “We challenge Gowon to reflect on his actions and recognise the need for reconciliation and repentance.

“His steadfast refusal to acknowledge the pain and suffering caused by the war displays a lack of empathy and a failure to grasp the gravity of his role in that dark period of our history.”

The Igbo group also asserted that the former head of state’s ‘’survival for over five decades, despite the loss of over three million Igbo during the war, presents him with a unique opportunity for redemption and reconciliation.

The group further noted: “As a professed Christian, we implore Gowon to heed the call of conscience and take necessary steps to seek forgiveness from Igbo people by acknowledging his mistakes, revealing the truth behind the Aburi Accord and issuing a sincere apology.’’

“Gowon must rise above personal pride and historical revisionism to elicit genuine healing and unity in our nation.

‘’His failure to exhibit contrition and his repeated insensitive comments undermine the reconciliation efforts of the Igbo people, who have demonstrated forgiveness and a commitment to national development.”