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Enioluwa Adeniyi
Guest
Mixed reactions have erupted following a birthday message from the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, celebrating former military head of state Yakubu Gowon on his 90th birthday.
In a post shared via X on Saturday, Obi expressed warm wishes to Gowon, acknowledging his contributions to Nigeria during his time in office.
While some praised Obi for recognizing the milestone of the former leader, others questioned the appropriateness of the gesture given the complex history of Gowon’s military regime.
Supporters lauded Obi’s gesture as a sign of respect and maturity in politics, emphasizing the importance of honoring elder statesmen regardless of their controversial pasts.
However, critics voiced their concerns, arguing that Gowon’s tenure was marked by significant challenges, including the Nigerian Civil War, which continues to evoke strong sentiments among many Nigerians.
Obi said, “In a time of hate, you stood for love. At a time of strife, you stood for peace. At a time of division, you stood for unity.
“Your life of service to our great nation, Nigeria, stand as one of sacrifice, leadership, and unity.
“Your steadfast commitment to preserving the peace and sovereignty of Nigeria during a challenging period in our history will forever be remembered and revered.
“Your exemplary leadership and statesmanship remain an inspiration to younger and many generations of Nigerians.”
Obi’s birthday wishes to the former head of state sparked widespread criticism on X.
In a follow-up post on Sunday, the former Anambra governor defended his message, saying he “needed to demonstrate to the world that true heroism lies in forgiving the enemy and moving forward.”
“Indisputably, the darkest part of our 64-year journey as a nation is the 30 months of civil war from 1967 to 1970 and God almighty whose way is not our way must have a reason why he kept the Chief Prosecutor of the war who is General Gowon alive to be 90 years today and the man who saw the end of the war, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to be there at 87 years super-heading all the moves to see a reconciled and just Nigeria,” he wrote on X.
“There was also a developing new spirit why the same country, Nigeria, gave the Biafra leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, a heroic national burial on 2 March 2012, when he joined his ancestors, coincidentally under my tenure as Governor of Anambra state.
“The status of the burial given to Dim Ojukwu remains the boldest indication to the World that Nigeria as a country is disposed to moving forward in the spirit of reconciliation.”
Below are some of the reactions to Obi’s message to Gowon on X.
Starting to look like you are desperate to be Nigeria’s president sha! Anyways, Tinubu till 2031 if you like kiss bloodsvcking Gowon
— Harry
(@chiditweets042) October 19, 2024
Please stop it, you join Nigeria of goodwill to celebrate a highly respected leader and former Head of state who killed millions of igbo people’s during Biafra and Nigeria civil war
— Ambs. William Solomon (@William71272352) October 19, 2024
The post ‘Desperate To Be President’ — Critics React To Peter Obi’s Birthday Message To Gowon appeared first on Naija News.