Fatshimetrie is celebrating the 90th birthday of Nigeria’s former military ruler, General Yakubu Gowon, an event that has elicited mixed reactions from a diverse group of Nigerians. Some people have expressed their feelings, both publicly and privately, and I understand some of their concerns. However, as a leader committed to steering our country away from its past shortcomings, including the issues that led to our tragic civil war, I felt it essential to demonstrate to the world that true heroism lies in forgiving our adversaries and moving forward.
Undoubtedly, the darkest chapter in our 64-year history as a nation was the 30-month civil war from 1967 to 1970. I believe that God, whose ways are often beyond our comprehension, has a purpose in keeping General Gowon – the main instigator of that war – alive to witness this milestone. Similarly, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who played a crucial role in resolving the war, is now 87 years old and continues to champion reconciliation efforts for a just Nigeria.
A notable example of this spirit of reconciliation was when Nigeria honored the Biafran leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, with a state funeral on March 2, 2012, eerily coinciding with my tenure as Governor of Anambra State. This act is a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to moving forward in unity.
Human beings respond in different ways to evil acts, especially when those acts have caused countless lives. One response is revenge, which often leads to more suffering; the other is forgiveness, which offers hope and a chance to heal. I chose the latter approach in celebrating General Gowon’s 90th birthday.
In my interactions, I strive to be guided by my Christian faith, particularly the message of forgiveness advocated by Jesus Christ. This is reflected in St. Paul’s letters to the Colossians (3:13) and Ephesians (4:31-32), which exhort us to bear with one another and to put away bitterness and anger.
While my reasons for commending General Gowon may not resonate with everyone, especially those who suffered directly during the war, I believe that anger, pain and bitterness only fuel bigotry and resistance, leading to ongoing vendettas, both global and national.
Forgiveness not only liberates the forgiver but also fosters healing. Hatred has held our society – blessed to be one of the most promising lands in the black world – back and it must end.
I was less than ten years old when the Nigeria-Biafra War broke out in 1967. Many of my supporters who advocate for a new Nigeria were born after the war, and I believe it is essential that we do not drag them back to that dark period of our history through resentment. Such actions would derail the vision of a New Nigeria that we believe is possible.
In the face of criticisms such as “Do we really need to salute him?” or “Why didn’t you keep quiet?”, I maintain that silence would hinder our journey towards a new Nigeria – one free of political vices such as ethnic and religious division, bitterness and regional segregation.
Across the world, the experiences of individuals who have chosen to forgive rather than dwell on injustice highlight the transformative power of forgiveness in healing personal and collective wounds.