The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has expressed reservations over certain narratives contained in former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon’s memoir, My Memoirs, warning that distorted accounts of the Nigeria-Biafra Civil War could reopen old wounds and undermine national reconciliation.
Ohanaeze made its position known in a press release issued on Wednesday by its Deputy President, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Deputy Secretary General, Prof. Chinyeakaya Achoakawa.
The organisation stated that portions of the memoir allegedly portrayed revered Igbo leaders, particularly the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, in an unfavourable and historically contentious manner.
According to Ohanaeze, there is no universally accepted historical record establishing claims that Ojukwu plotted to remove former Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, in order to install Azikiwe as Nigeria’s Prime Minister.
The group insisted that allegations of such magnitude require credible documentary evidence and should not be presented in ways capable of distorting historical realities.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo believes that portions of the publication appear to present distorted historical narratives capable of reopening old wounds and unfairly portraying revered Igbo leaders,” the statement read.
The organisation urged Nigerians to approach issues surrounding the Nigeria-Biafra Civil War with objectivity, balance and intellectual honesty, noting that the conflict remains one of the most painful episodes in the country’s history.
Ohanaeze further stressed that the memories of the war, which claimed millions of lives, predominantly women and children, demand caution, sincerity and moral responsibility from all parties involved.
The group also called on surviving actors of the Civil War era to embrace reconciliation and empathy in the interest of national healing and unity.
It noted that genuine reconciliation requires truth, courage and acknowledgement of the pains suffered by affected populations during and after the conflict.
Ohanaeze maintained that while the Civil War officially ended in 1970, the Southeast continued to experience decades of infrastructural neglect, economic exclusion and inadequate federal presence.
The organisation, however, acknowledged recent efforts by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address some of the longstanding infrastructural challenges confronting the Southeast.
It cited ongoing federal road projects across the region and the appointment of key Igbo political figures into strategic positions as signs of renewed national inclusion and recognition.
Ohanaeze reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of Igbo interests, preservation of historical truth and promotion of a fair, just and equitable Nigeria founded on mutual respect, inclusiveness and national cohesion.
