“Forgiveness and Healing Essential for Nigeria’s Progress,” — Peter Obi
In a heartfelt statement, Labour Party’s Presidential candidate in the 2023 Nigerian elections has responded to the mixed reactions following his congratulatory message to former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, on his 90th birthday. His message, which stirred debate among Nigerians, especially those affected by the Nigerian Civil War, emphasized the power of forgiveness and reconciliation as essential for Nigeria’s healing and progress.
In his remarks, the candidate acknowledged the understandable pain and sentiments expressed by many over the civil war, which claimed millions of lives between 1967 and 1970. He explained that his decision to congratulate Gowon was not meant to disregard the tragic events of the war but to embrace the spirit of forgiveness as a way forward for the country. He noted that the ultimate act of heroism lies in “forgiving the enemy and moving forward.”
He described the civil war as the darkest period in Nigeria’s 64-year history, but noted that both General Gowon, who led Nigeria during the war, and Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who oversaw the end of the war, remain alive today. According to him, this is significant as it speaks to God’s purpose, underscoring their roles in promoting a reconciled and just Nigeria.
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The Labour Party candidate also recalled Nigeria’s historic decision to give the Biafran leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, a national burial in 2012, during his tenure as governor of Anambra State. He cited this as a testament to Nigeria’s willingness to heal old wounds and move forward in the spirit of national reconciliation.
“There are various ways human beings can respond to acts of evil, especially one that claimed millions of lives. One is the tragedy of revenge, and another offers the hope of forgiveness in an attempt to forget,” he stated. Drawing from his Christian faith, he reflected on the biblical call to forgive others as highlighted in Colossians 3:13 and Ephesians 4:31-32, stressing that anger and bitterness only perpetuate division and violence.
Addressing the criticisms from some of his supporters and victims of the war, he noted that while their feelings are valid, his vision of a new Nigeria cannot be achieved by holding on to the past. He further stated, “I didn’t feel I should drag [my supporters] back to the dark side of our history by being unforgiving. Such an act will derail the message of a New Nigeria that we insist is possible.”
He concluded by urging Nigerians to embrace forgiveness and let go of hatred, which he said has held the country back from realizing its full potential. “What Nigeria needs badly and urgently to survive going forward is good governance, which can only germinate and grow in true peace and the presence of justice.”
His remarks resonate with his continued call for a united and just Nigeria, where ethnic, religious, and regional divisions are transcended in the pursuit of good governance and a brighter future for all.
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