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Peter Obi: “Hate Has to Stop for Nigeria to Move Forward”
Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate, has explained his decision to congratulate General Yakubu Gowon on his 90th birthday.
His message, which was received with mixed reactions, emphasized the importance of forgiveness and moving beyond the dark chapters of Nigeria’s history, particularly the civil war that claimed millions of lives.
Obi acknowledged the deep pain felt by many Nigerians due to the 30-month civil war between 1967 and 1970, which saw General Gowon as the head of state and leader of the federal forces, while Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu led Biafra.
However, he argued that the path to healing lies in forgiveness, not in holding onto past grievances.
Obi pointed to his Christian faith as a foundation for his stance, referencing biblical verses like Colossians 3:13 and Ephesians 4:31-32, which urge forgiveness.
Obi also recalled how Nigeria honoured Ojukwu, the Biafran leader, with a national burial in 2012, during his time as Anambra governor.
The burial, he said, was a sign of Nigeria’s willingness to move forward in reconciliation.
He emphasized that anger and bitterness only deepen divisions, while forgiveness can foster healing and pave the way for a united nation.
He urged his supporters and Nigerians to focus on building a New Nigeria, one free from ethnic and religious divisions.
While some criticized his decision to greet Gowon, Obi insisted that silence would harm the country’s efforts to move forward.
He called on Nigerians to join him in promoting peace, unity, and good governance, which he believes are crucial to the nation’s survival.
General Gowon, who led Nigeria through the civil war, remains one of the country’s most prominent elder statesmen.
At 90, he is seen as a symbol of resilience and leadership, despite the controversial legacy of the war.
Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, another key figure in Nigeria’s history, also played a crucial role in ending the war, and at 87, continues to advocate for a united and just Nigeria.
Peter Obi’s message highlights the tension between remembering the past and forging a path forward, with his focus on the latter being central to his vision for the future.
Lagos State Police react to claims of them taking money from dispatch riders on the Coastal Road in Lagos.
It started after a rumour was shared that police arrest and take money from riders as a demand for high bribes, sometimes reaching ₦200,000, and seize motorcycles if not given.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, then addressed the claims online and stated in his statement that he disagreed that the rumour is true and stated, “The spread of misinformation only causes more harm than good. In this era, we can and must do better.”
It has been announced by the governor of Ogun that Tuesday 3rd of February is a public holiday in order to mark the 50th anniversary of the state creation.
This public holiday declaration was released in a statement by the secretary of the state, Tokunbo Talabi.
He then added that the holiday will provide as a day for the citizens to participate in the activities for the state milestone.
Former Kogi politician, Dino Melaye, faces backlash from the public after he shared a video on social media of him abroad and living well through his luxurious lifestyle.
In the same video, he speaks about Nigeria’s current economy and shares his disappointment.
He wrote, “See country, God help us to build a true nation where our wicked leaders will be in jail and the right people in power. Nigeria must be fixed. YES WE CAN.”
However, many state that what he posted and what he is saying contradict each other, and they accused him of sharing his own records to know if he was a corrupt leader.
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