Dr. Josef Onoh, a former campaign spokesman for President Bola Tinubu in the Southeast and brother-in-law to the late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, has criticized recent statements made by Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd), regarding his purported reconciliation with Ojukwu.
Onoh described Gowon’s account as inaccurate, asserting that he was a direct witness to their interactions both in Enugu and London.
Onoh disputed Gowon’s claim of reconciliation in London, stating that the meeting in question actually took place in Enugu in March 2010, during a condolence visit following the death of Ojukwu’s father-in-law in May 2009. According to Onoh, Gowon’s visit was primarily to pay respects as he had been unable to attend the burial due to being outside the country.
Recalling the encounter, Onoh said he personally received and hosted Gowon during the visit, noting that the former Head of State refrained from alcoholic drinks, choosing water or orange juice instead. Onoh recounted that during the meeting, Gowon emphasized the importance of reconciliation.
In response, Ojukwu reportedly assured him that he held no grudges, acknowledging that both leaders, as soldiers, acted in what they believed were the best interests of their country at the time. Ojukwu also reiterated his stance against any future pursuit of Biafra through bloodshed or violence.
Onoh quoted Ojukwu as humorously promising to honor Gowon with a reciprocal visit, even jokingly stating that he would find Gowon “even if you are on the moon.” Onoh concluded by asserting that Gowon’s portrayal of the meeting as a reconciliation event was misleading and misrepresented the nature of the interaction. He accused Gowon of distorting facts and creating a narrative that deviates from the truth.
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