FCT, Abuja – Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, praised a former military ruler, Yakubu Gowon, as the latter clocked 90 years.
Obi said Gowon will be remembered for standing for loving and protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty during the civil war of 1960 to 1970.
In a birthday message shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Saturday, October 19, Obi said Gowon’s “exemplary leadership and statesmanship remain an inspiration to younger and many generations of Nigerians.”
TimesNow.com.ng reports that General Gowon was Nigeria’s head of state during the Nigeria-Biafra War. His government refused to recognise Biafra’s secession.
As a result of Gowon’s connection with the outbreak of the Nigerian-Biafran war which killed an estimated 500,000 to 3,000,000 people, some X users took exception to Obi’s post.
TimesNow.com.ng captured some reactions. See them below:
@nkechi_first wrote:
@chiditweets042 commented:
Morris Monye said:
@gaiuschibueze wrote:
Earlier, TimesNow.com.ng reported that following the appointment of Iliyasu Usman as the first-ever Igbo Imam at the Abuja national mosque, Obi took to X to congratulate the religious leader.
Obi said Usman’s appointment is significant and reflects his dedication, wisdom, and “exceptional leadership”.
Source: TimesNow.com.ng
