Olusegun Obasanjo, the former president of Nigeria, has called on those who were there during the 1967 Asaba Massacre and their families to forgive and go on.
On Wednesday, while attending the 59th anniversary of the atrocity in Asaba virtually in his role as chairman of the event, Obasanjo made the call.
He said the slaughter was among the worst parts of the Nigerian Civil War.
According to Obasanjo, the battle was a tragic and avoidable tragedy, and he broke down in tears upon obtaining Chief Chuck Nduka-Eze’s documents detailing the massacre.
The president of Nigeria, Obasanjo, addressed the crowd and urged them to remember the importance of forgiveness.
He stressed the need of forgiving and reconciling with the people of Asaba in order to stop future tragedies like this one.
Despite the people’s ability to forgive, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, Asagba of Asaba, stated in response to the appeal that they would never forget the tragedy.
Until a serving president formally apologises to the people of Asaba, Azinge added, there would be no closure or reconciliation.
Azinge stated, “We may not forget, but certainly, we have to forgive.” He also mentioned that retired Gen. Yakubu Gowon, who was the head of state during the military’s tenure, had apologised while he was out of office.
According to the traditional ruler, “that will bring closure” if the president who is currently in office apologises to the people of Asaba.
Since the Odi massacres happened while Obasanjo was president, he also raised doubts about the sincerity of his “never again” pledge.
I was surprised because it came from him. “Never again” is a phrase we use for how long? He clarified that the event took place at Odi.
“From the going down of the sun till the morning, we will always remember them,” the Asagba said, urging Nigerians to keep remembering the victims.
He assured them that they had moved on, but that as Asaba was ready to commemorate the tragedy’s 60th anniversary, they needed to remember, seek justice, and reconcile.
Despite calls for an apology from the president, Azinge took a major step toward peace when he publicly apologised to Col. Ibrahim Taiwo’s family.
“I publicly proclaim that we have forgiven the Taiwo family on behalf of the Asaba community and as the prescribed authority, the Asagba of Asaba,” he stated.
Retired Maj.-Gen. Ahmed Taiwo, son of Col. Taiwo, tendered an apology, which the community accepted, he added.
In the event that his father or any member of his family was responsible for the massacre, Taiwo has previously apologised and conveyed regret on their behalf.