Kenneth Okonkwo, a lawyer, has spoken on the need for reconciliation and forgiveness after the Nigerian Civil War (Biafran War).
In a video shared by Arise TV, Okonkwo said that General Yakubu Gowon, Nigeria’s former military Head of State, had personally taken steps to seek forgiveness for the role he played during the war. Okonkwo mentioned that Gowon traveled across the southeastern region, asking for forgiveness from those affected by the conflict.
Okonkwo emphasized that Nigerians must learn to forgive one another and let go of past grievances. He said that forgiveness is a crucial step towards achieving national unity and peace in Nigeria.
In Okonkwo’s words: “Gowon went throughout southeast apologizing and asking for forgiveness for his role in the civil war. We know that Gowon has tried to make certain type of penance, we should forgive each other because hostilities need not last forever. We must learn to forget and to forgive so that we will move ahead as one united Nigeria”