“his presence a rude reminder of a bloody war”
The former military head of state, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd) may have shelved his proposed prayer meeting in Umuahia, emotions are still raging on why such invitation should at all, be extended to him. The proposed prayer session which was at the instance of the Governor-Elect of Abia State, Alex Otti would feature personalities from religious organizations, organized private sector and other invited guests.
The invitation was greeted with a lot of protests and emotions across South East Region of Nigeria. It was generally believed that his invitation would become a rude reminder of bloody policies that caused the deaths of over three million Biafran children who perished during the war. General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd) was the Military Head of State during the three year war. Gowon floated a policy that hindered the supply of food and drugs to hungry and dying children as a way of weakening the Biafrans who opted out of Nigeria State.
General Gowon was the head of state during the Nigeria-Biafran war that lasted between 1967 and 1970. Although the war ended with the a “No Victor, No Vanquished” verdict, the war saw the death of millions of Igbo children who were starved to death, following a policy implemented by Gowon’s government that blocked off food and drugs supply to dying Igbo children.
Information availed LeadingReporters suggested that the invitation to Gen. Gowon to attend the prayer session may have been canceled. Many believe that the cancellation may not be unconnected with reports of planned protests and the attendant insecurity that may arise because of his presence for a national prayer in Umuahia.
Some of the respondents spoken to believe that General Gowon has not toed the path of restitution by openly condemning the bloody war and apologizing for the role he played that led to the deaths of millions of Igbos.
“One thing is repentance. Another is restitution. General Gowon was part of the bloody leadership that caused and supervised the deaths of countless Igbos during the infamous Nigerian-Biafran war. If he claims to have repented and became a minister of the gospel, fine. But he needs to restitute for the deaths he caused. He needs to pray for forgiveness to God and the families that lost their loved ones during the war. Without that, his actions are sheer hypocrisy. Said Mr. Dan
“Let him not come. Alex Otti should do everything possible to avoid starting on a controversial note. He should not lose the trust reposed on him by the people. General Gowon has fences to mend. He has blood to account for. He should come. Echoed Mr. Chuks
