The Labour Party’s (LP) 2023 presidential candidate has come under fire by some Nigerians for lauding Yakubu Gowon, a former military leader, as he became 90 years old.
Gowon would be remembered, according to Obi, for standing and defending Nigeria’s independence during the 1960–1970 civil war.
In a birthday message shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Saturday, October 19, Obi said Gowon’s “exemplary leadership and statesmanship remain an inspiration to younger and many generations of Nigerians.”
AFRIPOST reports that General Gowon led Nigeria throughout the Nigeria-Biafra War. Biafra’s secession was not acknowledged by his administration.
Some X users objected to Obi’s tweet since Gowon was linked to the beginning of the Nigerian-Biafran conflict, which claimed between 500,000 and 3,000,000 lives.
See below some of the reactions by Nigerians on X (Twitter) criticizing Peter Obi for celebrating Yakubu Gowon on his birthday:
Morris Monye said: “This is a no sir. A big no. I will be watching from the sidelines.”
@gaiuschibueze wrote: “This is too painful to read. Chai.”
@nkechi_first wrote: “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.
“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.
“Peter Obi, you are someone who has carried the hopes of the Igbo people, and we look to you to speak truth to power, not to gloss over painful truths. Unity should be built on justice and acknowledgement of the past, not by ignoring or romanticising the role of those who contributed to our suffering.
“The Biafran War is not just a chapter in history. It’s a wound that still bleeds for many families. Please, let’s not diminish our pain in the name of national politics.”
@chiditweets042 commented: “Starting to look like you are desperate to be Nigeria’s president sha! Anyways, Tinubu till 2031.”
Urhobo Water tweeted: “Obi could have wished Gowon a happy birthday with fewer words than all he wrote here.
“There was no need to be insensitive to the sentiments of the average Igbo man about Gowon. The name “Gowon” hits the nerve of an Igbo man, anytime.
“That, said, I see the intention of Obi here is to unite the nation. We must find a way as a nation to apologize and run a reconciliation program with our Igbo brothers. The war was unfair to them however you want to look at it. Till date, the things Igbo fought for are still alive and still need solution. They’ve been proven right.”
Richard Okarafor wrote: “Now I understand why Kenwth Okonkwo is frustrated. This man’s idea of jumping around calling traitors senior brother is ridiculous. The earlier he realises this is war and should act so the better.”