The apex Igbo socio-cultural group Ohanaeze Ndigbo has known as on the previous head of state, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), to apologise for latest “inflammatory” feedback in regards to the Nigerian Civil Conflict expertise.
Ohanaeze additionally stated his remarks have “reopened deep wounds” among the many Igbo folks.
In a strongly-worded assertion launched on Sunday, Ohanaeze Secretary-Common Okechukwu Isiguzoro stated Gowon’s feedback throughout a February 21 go to to President Bola Tinubu have been a “deliberate focusing on of the collective Igbo psyche” and confirmed a “lack of empathy” for the struggling brought on by the 1967-1970 conflict.
“We problem Gowon to mirror on his actions and recognise the necessity for reconciliation and repentance,” Isiguzoro stated. “His steadfast refusal to acknowledge the ache and struggling brought on by the conflict shows a failure to know the gravity of his position in that darkish interval of our historical past.”
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“As a professed Christian, we implore Gowon to heed the decision of conscience and take mandatory steps to hunt forgiveness from the Igbo folks by acknowledging his errors, revealing the reality behind the Aburi Accord, and issuing a honest apology,” he added.
Isiguzoro stated Gowon’s “repeated insensitive feedback” undermined Igbo reconciliation efforts regardless of their “demonstrated forgiveness and dedication to nationwide improvement.”
He known as on the previous head of state to “seize this pivotal second to discard the relics of the previous, embrace humility, and supply a long-overdue apology”, saying it could pave the best way for “real reconciliation” and “lasting peace and concord.”
The Nigerian Civil Conflict also called the Biafran Conflict, began on July 6, 1967, and ended on January 15, 1970. It was a civil conflict fought 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.
