Many supporters of Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the last general elections, have lambasted him on social media over his birthday message to former military Head of State Yakubu Gowon.
Gowon, who ruled Nigeria between 1966 and 1975, clocked 90 on Saturday. Prominent Nigerians, including Obi, have celebrated the former military leader, who led the country during the civil war between 1967 and 1970.
In a statement on his X account on Saturday, Obi celebrated Gowon, saying “In a time of hate, you stood for love. At a time of strife, you stood for peace. At a time of division, you stood for unity.
“Your life of service to our great nation, Nigeria, stand as one of sacrifice, leadership, and unity. Your steadfast commitment to preserving the peace and sovereignty of Nigeria during a challenging period in our history will forever be remembered and revered.”
However, many supporters of the former Anambra governor were not happy with the message, arguing that it is insensitive to the sentiments of average Nigerians, who are yet to heal from the torment of the civil war sanctioned during Gowon’s regime.
“As an Igbo person who deeply understands the pain and trauma inflicted on our people during the Biafran War, it is truly disheartening to read this message coming from Peter Obi, someone who should know better,” an X user, Nkechi First, said.
“While I respect the need for civility, let’s not rewrite history. Gowon’s actions during the war led to the deaths and suffering of millions of Igbo men, women, and children. The scars of that period still run deep in the hearts of many of us. Celebrating his “unity” and “peace” without acknowledging the atrocities and starvation policies imposed on our people feels like a betrayal,” she added.
“Please stop it, you join Nigeria of goodwill to celebrate a highly respected leader and former Head of state who killed millions of igbo people’s during Biafra and Nigeria civil war,” another user, William Solomon, said.
“This is an insult to me, my family, and the entire Igbo heritage. What we suffered under Yakubu Gowon and Nigeria should never be sugar coated nor glorified like you have done. And you must stop the nonsense pandering and stripping at once you have to wrap it up, Sir. I’m tired,” another X user, Chisom, said.
“This is highly tone deaf, disgraceful & shameful! This shows that Peter Obi is ready to sacrifice Ndigbo for his political career,” said Tochi.
“Ojukwu already made peace with Gowon after the war. Peter Obi is Only following in the footsteps of his hero and leader,” VC Ekezie, another X user, said.
“The criticism you have received from some quarters is understandable, given the painful memories of the civil war, but your decision to congratulate General Gowon shows that the journey toward healing and forgiveness is not about forgetting, but about choosing to move beyond the pain. As you pointed out, most of your supporters were born after the war, and dragging them back to those dark times would hinder the vision of a New Nigeria. It is time to focus on the future and overcome the divisive forces that hold the country back,” another user said in support of Obi.
(BusinessDayNg)
