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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.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has reportedly declared a strike at Taraba State University over outstanding salary-related demands and delays in payments.
The strike is scheduled to begin today, October 12, 2026. According to the union’s chairman, the union had been engaging the Taraba State Government over its outstanding demands since February 2026.
“The union had exercised considerable patience and demonstrated its commitment to dialogue since February 2026, when it began engaging the Taraba State Government over the outstanding issues,” Mbave said.
“The union had earlier suspended its planned industrial action following an appeal by the government for additional time through the Office of the Head of Civil Service, in the interest of maintaining industrial harmony,” the chairman added.
The Chairman of Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, Torseer Yina, has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the ancient town.
The curfew takes effect from Thursday, October 8, 2026, following unrest and violent protests in the area.
According to reports, the action was taken to contain the unrest and violent protests by members of BEMOA following the death of one of its members by unknown gunmen.
The protest, which was reportedly hijacked by hoodlums, turned violent after an angry mob burnt two vehicles belonging to the Benue State Civil Protection Guards.
The Gboko council chairman said the curfew takes effect immediately and warned that anyone caught flouting the order or breaching public peace would be decisively dealt with.
Nine people have died in a fatal road crash along the Ijebu-Ode-Benin Expressway in Ogun State.
The crash occurred on Monday at about 4:55pm around the Bethel area along the Ijebu-Ode/Ore axis of the expressway. It involved a white Toyota Hiace commercial bus belonging to Delta Line and a white Sino truck operated by Bill Gas Solution Ltd.
According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), all nine people involved in the crash, comprising three males and six females, died in the incident.
The FRSC said the crash occurred while it was raining and the road was wet, with preliminary investigations identifying speed violation as the probable cause.
The FRSC rescue team arrived at the scene shortly after receiving the report, while the bodies of the victims were taken to the General Hospital Morgue in Ijebu-Ode.
The Ogun State Sector Commander, Oludare Ogunjobi, urged motorists, especially commercial drivers, to obey speed limits and exercise extra caution when driving in the rain.
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