Biafra War: Ohanaeze Calls On Gowon To Lead Reconciliation, Rehabilitation, Reconstruction Of Igbo Victims
Alex Odeh
The pan Igbo socio-cultural organization Ohanaeze Ndigbo has advised Nigeria former military head of state, General Yakubu Gowon to accept responsibility of his involvement in the Nigerian Biafra War and seek for divine forgiveness.
This was contained in a press statement issued in Abakaliki on Sunday and signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Deputy President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
Isiguzoro was reacting to comments credited General Yakubu Gowon during an interview with Arise News, where the former military head of state claimed that his war effort under his leadership was directed at stopping secession and preserving the country’s unity, not targeting any ethnic group.
Ohanaeze, however, said that such assertions were not only gross misrepresentations of historical facts but also an affront to the collective memory and sensibilities of the Igbo nation.
According to Isiguzoro, Gowon failed in his responsibilities as Commander-in-Chief to safeguard the lives of Nigerians, particularly the Igbo populace, during the 1966 Northern riots, which unleashed unimaginable atrocities and ultimately led to the massacre of countless Igbo people.
The statement reads, “We are compelled to address and clarify the deeply entrenched biases and distorted narratives perpetuated by General Gowon. As a 91-year-old former military head of state, he remains a pawn in the hands of colonial powers and the Fulani oligarchy, both of whom orchestrated his actions during what became an unjust war against the Igbo.
“The civil war was precipitated by his passive stance, forcing the Igbo into a state of self-defense against a government that had Unfairly declared war on them.
“Ohanaeze insists on conveying this painful but necessary truth with unwavering resolve. History will view Gowon unfavorably if he allows this final chapter of his life to pass without seeking redemption. He must abandon the military mentality and the rehearsed narratives advocating for a united Nigeria—narratives built upon deceit—and instead testify honestly, without fear, to both the Nigerian public and the world.
“It is imperative for Gowon to disclose the behind-the-scenes manipulations by the colonial powers that misled him into abandoning the Aburi Accord—a peace agreement that had the potential to avert the devastating escalation of the Biafran War.
“His military aggression against the Igbo was not a reaction to secessionist ambitions; rather, it was a calculated initiative aimed at safeguarding British economic interests in the oil-rich Eastern region of Biafra and retaliating against perceived threats post-1966 coup.
“Ohanaeze asserts that the Almighty has granted General Gowon continued life for two pivotal reasons: first, to surrender to his conscience and seek divine forgiveness, thereby garnering the moral courage to confess, with genuine remorse, the full truth regarding the Nigerian Biafran War and his misguided participation therein; and second, to take the lead in healing the historical wounds by promoting efforts in reconciliation, rehabilitation, and reconstruction of the Igbo people.
“It is regrettable that Gowon’s recent interview—perhaps intended by well-meaning associates to present a narrative absolving the Igbo people from wrongdoing—ultimately fell short. His military pride, alongside the oath of secrecy he took during the conflict, has culminated in a 55-year internal torment, evident even in his recent struggles during public appearances.
” Instead of seizing a critical opportunity to acknowledge his complicity in the atrocities against the Igbo, he has, instead, insulted the collective memory of the three million innocent Igbo civilians who tragically lost their lives during this dark chapter in our history.
“In conclusion, Ohanaeze offers this unequivocal advice to General Gowon regarding the Nigerian Biafran War: As time continues to dwindle, he must cease his evasive tactics, confront his conscience, and renounce the false narratives surrounding this significant chapter of Nigeria’s history.
“At 91 years of age, he possesses little time left to amend this narrative. He has no valid excuse to overlook the need for candidness, nor to delay in seeking forgiveness from the Igbo people and all Nigerians. It is crucial that the curses arising from the bloodshed of the Asaba massacre and the tragic loss of three million lives be confronted and lifted.
“The repercussions of Gowon’s wartime decisions are profoundly felt today across his compatriots in the Middle Belt, particularly in Plateau, Benue, and Taraba States, where violence persists against innocent civilians.
“This present moment represents an invaluable opportunity for Gowon’s associates to organize yet another platform for him to unburden his conscience and speak the truth. The world watches with bated breath for General Gowon to deliver his account—for posterity’s sake”, he said.
