The Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural group, has called on the former head of state, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), to apologise for recent “inflammatory” comments about the Nigerian Civil War experience.
Ohanaeze also stated that his remarks have “reopened deep wounds” among the Igbo people.
In a statement released on Sunday, Ohanaeze Secretary-General Okechukwu Isiguzoro said Gowon’s comments during a February 21 visit to President Bola Tinubu were a “deliberate targeting of the collective Igbo psyche” and showed a “lack of empathy” for the suffering caused by the 1967–1970 war.
“We challenge Gowon to reflect on his actions and recognise the need for reconciliation and repentance,” Isiguzoro said. “His steadfast refusal to acknowledge the pain and suffering caused by the war displays a failure to grasp the gravity of his role in that dark period of our history.”
Ohanaeze asserted that Gowon’s survival for over five decades, despite an estimated 3 million Igbo lives lost in the war, gave him a “unique opportunity for redemption and reconciliation.”
“As a professed Christian, we implore Gowon to heed the call of conscience and take necessary steps to seek forgiveness from the Igbo people by acknowledging his mistakes, revealing the truth behind the Aburi Accord, and issuing a sincere apology,” he added.
Isiguzoro stated that Gowon’s “repeated insensitive comments” undermined Igbo reconciliation efforts despite their “demonstrated forgiveness and commitment to national development.”
He urged the former head of state to “seize this pivotal moment to discard the relics of the past, embrace humility, and offer a long-overdue apology,” saying it would pave the way for “genuine reconciliation” and “lasting peace and harmony.”
The Nigerian Civil War, often known as the Biafran War, began on July 6, 1967, and concluded on January 15, 1970. It was a civil war fought by Nigeria and the Republic of Biafra, a separatist state that declared independence from Nigeria in 1967.
Nigeria was commanded by Gowon, and Biafra was led by Lieutenant Colonel Chukwuemeka “Emeka” Odumegwu.
