Ohanaeze Ndigbo Calls on General Yakubu Gowon to Apologize for Biafra War Remark

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has urged former Military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), to seek forgiveness and apologize to Igbos over his recent remark on the Biafra civil war.

A chieftain of Ohanaeze, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, criticized Gowon’s remark as inflammatory and called for reconciliation.

Isiguzoro stated that Gowon’s comment, made after his visit to President Bola Tinubu, has reopened old wounds and inflicted anguish upon the Igbo community, both at home and in the diaspora.

The factional Secretary-General of Ohanaeze expressed that Gowon’s choice of words and narrative regarding the Biafra war has been insensitive and deeply hurtful to the collective psyche of the Igbo people.

Gowon, who ruled Nigeria between 1966 and 1975, had recalled how he was criticized for his handling of the civil war.

Isiguzoro challenged Gowon to reflect on his actions and the enduring consequences of the Biafra civil war.

He emphasized that Gowon should take responsibility for his role in the tragic events of the past and offer genuine apologies for the pain and suffering inflicted upon the Igbo people.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo stressed that only through sincere reconciliation, rooted in genuine remorse and penitence, can lasting peace and harmonious co-existence be achieved in Nigeria.

The organization implored Gowon to seize the opportunity to seek forgiveness, offer sincere apologies, and foster an environment of healing and reconciliation.