Misguided Praise: A Rejoinder to Doris McDaniels and BRAC Coastal Aborigines' Defense of Gowon

Misguided Praise: A Rejoinder to Doris McDaniels and BRAC Coastal Aborigines' Defense of Gowon Doris McDaniels Doris McDaniels, the Gene...

Misguided Praise: A Rejoinder to Doris McDaniels and BRAC Coastal Aborigines' Defense of Gowon

Doris McDaniels

Doris McDaniels, the General Coordinator of BRAC Coastal Aborigines, recently made a statement berating Ohaneze Ndigbo and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) for their criticism of former military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, the arch-genocidist, over his comments on the civil war. McDaniels lauded Gowon as a "great hero" to the nation and defended his actions during the war, particularly in the Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River coastal areas.

While McDaniels portrays Gowon as a hero, her stance is deeply flawed and fails to acknowledge the atrocities committed during the civil war. Gowon's role in the war cannot be glorified, especially considering the immense loss of lives, estimated at five million Biafrans. McDaniels' assertion that Gowon's leadership "liberated" the people of the BRAC states is a distortion of history. Instead of liberation, many view Gowon's actions as a continuation of colonial oppression and a betrayal of the principles of self-determination.

McDaniels' statement is particularly egregious when she calls for ignoring attempts to distort Gowon's role in the civil war. It is essential to critically examine historical events and hold leaders accountable for their actions. By glossing over Gowon's role in the war, McDaniels and her group are perpetuating a dangerous narrative that whitewashes the atrocities committed during that dark period in Nigerian history.

Furthermore, McDaniels' assertion that the people of the BRAC states are grateful to Gowon for creating their states is misleading. While the creation of states may have had some positive impacts, it does not negate the horrors of the war and the suffering endured by many during that time.

It is crucial to remember that heroism should not be based solely on one's actions during a particular period but should encompass a broader sense of moral integrity and justice. Gowon's actions during the civil war, including the betrayal of the Aburi Accord and the prosecution of a brutal war, cannot be justified or celebrated.

In conclusion, Doris McDaniels' defense of General Yakubu Gowon as a hero is misguided and ignores the realities of the Nigerian civil war. Gowon's actions during that time cannot be whitewashed, and it is essential to critically examine history to ensure that the mistakes of the past are not repeated.

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