Ben Ezechime, Enugu
Rights activist and development lawyer, Eze Onyekpere, has responded vigorously to the recent interview granted by the former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd.) to Arise Television over his role in the Nigerian Civil.
Gowon, who led the 30-month fratricidal war had spoken extensively on the causes of the war and the role of Lt Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu in the war.
In a post via his Facebook account, Onyekpere who is also Lead Director at the Centre for Social Justice, disputed some of the claims by the elder statesman.
He said: “When an otherwise elderly man refuses to apologize for the sins of his youth and lies to his grave, his redemption and salvation will be extremely difficult.
“Books were published by different authors including Ojukwu on the war, he never wrote or spoke to contradict, he waited until the other side is late to make remarks antithetical to verities apprehended by the intellect. Shameful in youth and the same at old age. Complete disaster.
“Where has the one Nigeria you fought for left your people? Killed, annihilated and strangers in their own land – all these perpetuated by your fellow fighters in the civil war.
“Gowon, you have no right to distort history. Enough of your lies. Take steps to protect your people from muderous land grabbers and stop insulting the intelligence of right thinking persons.”
