Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate, has addressed mixed reactions following his congratulatory message to Nigeria’s former military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, on his 90th birthday. The felicitations, which came amidst public debate, were explained by Obi as a gesture rooted in the spirit of forgiveness, healing, and national unity.
Obi acknowledged the mixed feelings expressed by some Nigerians, particularly those who suffered losses during the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), but emphasized that his message to Gowon was based on a broader vision for a reconciled and united Nigeria.
He stated, “As a leader in the vanguard of providing direction for our country to shift away from all our shortcomings, including the issues that caused our avoidable cruel civil war, I needed to show to the world that the ultimate heroism is forgiving the enemy and moving forward.”
Reflecting on Nigeria’s painful history, Obi noted that the 30-month civil war remains the darkest part of the nation’s 64-year journey. He emphasized the significance of both General Gowon, the Chief Prosecutor of the war, and Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the man who saw its end, still being alive today. “God must have a reason why He kept General Gowon alive to be 90 and Chief Obasanjo to be 87, spearheading all efforts towards a reconciled and just Nigeria,” he said.
Obi also recalled the heroic national burial given to Biafra leader Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu in 2012 during his tenure as governor, which he believes was a significant move towards national reconciliation.
Addressing those who questioned why he congratulated Gowon, Obi explained, “There are various ways human beings can respond to acts of evil, especially one that claimed millions of lives. One is the tragedy of revenge, and another offers the hope of forgiveness. The latter conforms with the template I adopted in greeting General Gowon at 90.”
Citing his Christian faith and teachings on forgiveness, Obi referred to biblical passages, including Colossians 3:13 and Ephesians 4:31-32, urging people to get rid of bitterness and embrace forgiveness. He acknowledged the difficulty in moving past such painful events but stressed that forgiveness is key to building a new Nigeria.
Obi expressed empathy for those still angered by the memories of the war but insisted that holding on to bitterness would derail the country’s progress. “It’s hate that has put our society, blessed by God to be the greatest land in the Black world, down, but this hate has to stop,” he remarked.
He further added that many of his supporters, born after the war, do not need to be dragged back into the dark chapters of Nigeria’s history by fostering unforgiveness. “We insist that a new Nigeria is possible, and that message must be consistent with forgiveness and national unity,” he explained.
Obi called on Nigerians to join him in creating a nation where ethnic, religious, and regional bitterness are eliminated, stating that what Nigeria urgently needs is good governance, which can only thrive in true peace and justice.
Concluding his remarks, Obi urged those angered by his message to bear with him and embrace the vision of a united Nigeria where forgiveness paves the way for justice and sustainable development.