The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohaneze Ndigbo, has called on former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, to apologize to the Igbos for the role he played during the Biafran War.
This was contained in a statement by the Igbos’ most prominent group signed by its secretary-general, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro.
The organization expressed disappointment in Gowon’s choice of words, stating that they have reopened old wounds and inflicted anguish upon the Igbo community, according to Politics Nigeria.
The group asserted that Gowon’s repetitive glorification of the suppression of the Biafran struggle does a disservice to national unity and healing.
The group called on Gowon to take responsibility for his role in the tragic events of the past, acknowledge the atrocities, confess to any misdeeds, and sincerely apologize to the Igbo community.
“We remind General Gowon that his continued existence, especially amidst the over 3 million Igbo lives lost during the war, is a divine opportunity for him to seek redemption and offer genuine apologies for the pain and suffering inflicted upon the Igbo people,” the statement read in part.
It continued, “It is incumbent upon Gowon to acknowledge the atrocities, confess to any misdeeds, and sincerely apologize to the Igbo community for the role he played in the conflict.
”OHANAEZE NDIGBO emphasizes that only through sincere reconciliation, rooted in genuine remorse and penitence, can lasting peace and harmonious co-existence be achieved in our nation.
“OHANAEZE NDIGBO implores General Yakubu Gowon to seize this rare opportunity to seek forgiveness, offer sincere apologies, and desist from further inflaming the painful memories of the Biafra War.”
