Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has addressed the controversy surrounding his congratulatory message to former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, on his 90th birthday.
Obi acknowledged the mixed reactions, particularly from those affected by the civil war, but emphasized the importance of forgiveness and national reconciliation.
The former Anambra State Governor stressed that holding onto bitterness and hatred only perpetuates division and hinders progress. Instead, he advocates for a new spirit of unity and moving forward.
Obi drew on Christian teachings to highlight the transformative power of forgiveness in healing deep wounds.
He urged his supporters, many of whom were born after the Civil War, to focus on the future and not be dragged back into past divisions.
Obi reaffirmed his commitment to building a new Nigeria where ethnic, religious, and regional divides no longer hinder progress. He believes that forgiveness is essential in achieving this goal.
The controversy surrounding Obi’s congratulatory message has sparked a national conversation on forgiveness, reconciliation, and unity.
Obi’s clarification provides insight into his vision for a united Nigeria, where past conflicts do not dictate the country’s future.
The Labour Party candidate’s stance has garnered support from some quarters, while others continue to criticize his decision to congratulate Gowon.
As Nigeria navigates its complex past and works towards a more united future, Obi’s message of forgiveness and reconciliation resonates with many.
Part of the statement read: “Whatever reason I will give for joining the rest of Nigerians to greet General Gowon, May never truly conform with some persons, especially direct victims of the war, but anger, hurt, and bitterness are the commonest responses to cruelty.
“It fuels sectarianism, it leads to resistance and avoidable blood feuds that we are witnessing across the globe, and even in our country and it does not abate.
“There is something about forgiveness, it sets the person doing it free. Forgiveness is more a process than an instinct. It’s hate that has put our society, blessed by God to be the greatest land in the black World, down, but this hate has to stop.”
