General Yakubu Gowon (rtd) celebrated his 90th birthday on Saturday, October 19, 2024, receiving tributes from notable political and power players across Nigeria.
While most birthday messages from leaders were well-received, Peter Obi’s tribute — delivered by the Labour Party (LP) Presidential candidate from the 2023 general elections — sparked an uproar on social media platforms.
Many of his supporters, primarily from the Southeast geopolitical zone, hurled unprintable insults at him for praising Gowon, and describing him as a man who once stood for peace and unity during the Civil War (1967-1970).
The majority of people from the Southeast claimed Obi had betrayed them by describing Gowon as a hero who, “At a time of strife, stood for peace. At a time of division, stood for unity.”
Obi, the former governor of Anambra State, was referring to Gowon’s leadership during the Nigerian Civil War, which broke out between the federal government and the Eastern region, lasting three years.
The war, which the Igbo people often refer to as the Biafran War, resulted in over a million casualties, marking a painful chapter in Nigeria’s history.
The Eastern region was led by Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, while Gowon served as Nigeria’s military head of state.
Though the war ended more than 54 years ago, its scars remain fresh in the minds of many Igbos, who continue to pass the history of that tragic period to future generations.
One supporter, likely from the region, responded, “Peter Obi, you are someone who carries the hopes of the Igbo people. We look to you to speak truth to power, not to gloss over painful truths.”
This piece is not about what caused the war, who fired the first shot, or who was right or wrong. However, it’s concerning how some Igbos want align with the emotions of the Civil War.
What’s even more disheartening is that Obi felt compelled to issue another statement on social media explaining, “Why I Congratulated Gen. Gowon at 90.” It is essential for the Igbo community to understand that Peter Obi is a Nigerian, qualified to run for and potentially become Nigeria’s president—not the president of the Igbo people.
Politically, the Southeast alone does not have the electoral power to determine the outcome of a presidential election.
In the last election, Obi came in third, securing 6,101,533 votes, or 26.10% of the total valid votes cast.
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in the Southeast states of Abia, Ebonyi, Anambra, Enugu, and Imo, he garnered 1,952,998 votes, amounting to 87.78% of the 2,224,934 valid votes in the region.
For Obi to succeed in future elections, he must expand his political reach beyond the Southeast. Harboring grudges against figures like Gowon or other key actors from the Civil War will not pave the way to victory. A presidential candidate cannot realistically win a national election without significant support from the North.
It’s time for the Igbo people to release the emotional baggage tied to the Biafran War. Clinging to the past will only hinder their future political aspirations.
As Kyle Carpenter wisely said, “Scars are a truly beautiful thing. Yes, they can be a little ugly on the outside, but scars show that you’re a survivor, that you made it through something, and not only did you make it through, but now you’re stronger and wiser because of that tough time you went through.”
Peter Obi needs the North more than the North needs him in any election. He should not feel pressured to appease the Southeast in all his public statements. Although he will need their support in the next election—if he chooses to run—over-satisfying one group does not guarantee loyalty.
Just as Igbos regard Odumegwu Ojukwu as a hero, so too is Yakubu Gowon revered as a hero for his role in keeping Nigeria united during his tenure as head of state. He fought for Nigeria, and for that, he remains a hero.
In conclusion, the Southeast should stop persecuting Peter Obi for acknowledging Gowon’s legacy. Yakubu Gowon remains a hero, and Peter Obi’s recognition of this should not be a source of division.
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