My congratulations to Nigeria’s former military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, on his 90th birthday, celebrated by a diverse group of Nigerians, has evoked mixed reactions. Some individuals have expressed their sentiments both publicly and privately, and I share in 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 was 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 journey as a nation was the 30-month civil war from 1967 to 1970. I believe that God, whose ways are often beyond our understanding, has a purpose for keeping General Gowon—the Chief Prosecutor of that war—alive to witness this milestone. Similarly, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who played a crucial role in the war’s resolution, 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 national burial on March 2, 2012, coincidentally during my tenure as Governor of Anambra State. This act stands as a powerful testament to Nigeria’s commitment to moving forward in unity.
Humans respond to acts of evil in various ways, particularly when such acts claim 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 by the message of forgiveness espoused by Jesus Christ. This is echoed in St. Paul’s letters to the Colossians (3:13) and Ephesians (4:31-32), which urge us to bear with one another and to rid ourselves of bitterness and anger.
While my reasons for congratulating General Gowon may not resonate with everyone, especially those who directly suffered during the war, I believe that anger, hurt, and bitterness only fuel sectarianism and resistance, leading to ongoing blood feuds both globally and within our country. Forgiveness liberates not only the one forgiving but also fosters healing. Hate has held back our society—blessed to be one of the most promising lands in the black world—and it must end.
I was under ten years old when the Nigeria-Biafra war began in 1967. Many of my supporters advocating for a new Nigeria were born after the war, and I feel it is crucial not to drag them back into that dark period of our history through unforgiveness. Such actions would derail the vision of a New Nigeria that we believe is possible.
When faced with criticisms such as “Must you greet him?” or “Why didn’t you remain silent?” I maintain that silence would hinder our journey towards a new Nigeria—one free from political vices like ethnic and religious division, bitterness, and regional segregation.
Across the globe, the experiences of individuals who have chosen to forgive rather than dwell on injustice highlight the transformative power of forgiveness in healing both personal and collective wounds.
