General Zamani Lekwot’s impending 84th birthday is a poignant reminder of his complex legacy, marred by the infamous Zangon-Kataf massacre in 1992, which claimed the lives of numerous Hausa Fulanis. Instead of introspection, Lekwot has chosen to criticize former President Muhammadu Buhari, sparking controversy and diverting attention from his own tumultuous past .
Lekwot’s alleged involvement in the Zangon-Kataf crisis, for which he was sentenced to death and later pardoned, remains a painful chapter in Nigeria’s history . His military career, marked by leadership positions, including Governor of Rivers State and Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy, is also tainted by allegations of bigotry and hostility toward non-tribes and Muslims.
The man will be 84 in a few days to come, instead of reflecting on his trajectory in life, the man known for his infamous role in the massacre of about 60 Hausas in Zango kataf, is pumping his balloon of diatribe against former president Muhammadu Buhari.
Lekwot should be reminded that the only reference he has to his name is the genocide in Zango kataf. Ordinarily, the man should have allowed the ugly past to remain buried, instead, he is posturing as a patriot in order to be seen as a fading patriot! And to gain that reference,he found a Buhari to use for his image burnishing. General Lekwot should be reminded that the souls of the many murdered are still hovering around seeking justice .
Rather than seek retribution and forgiveness, he is tragically playing the ostrich by sitting on the throne of an arbiter of governance template. Those with blood soaked dossiers are not permitted to speak among sane minds.
General Zamani Lekwot’s recent statements against former President Muhammadu Buhari have sparked controversy, but it is essential to acknowledge Lekwot’s own troubled past. His alleged involvement in the Zangon-Kataf crisis in 1992, which resulted in significant loss of life, particularly among the Hausa Fulani community, cannot be ignored . This incident has left a lasting impact, and many still seek justice and accountability.
Rather than confronting his own legacy, Lekwot has chosen to criticize others, potentially to divert attention from his own actions. However, this approach only serves to underscore the need for genuine reflection and reconciliation. It is crucial to recognize that those responsible for past atrocities must acknowledge and make amends for their actions before attempting to take the moral high ground.
Lekwot’s military career, marked by various leadership positions, including Governor of Rivers State and Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy, is also tainted by allegations of bigotry and hostility toward non-tribes and Muslims . These accusations raise concerns about his ability to promote unity and understanding.
To move forward, Nigeria requires leaders who prioritize healing, accountability, and inclusivity. This involves confronting painful aspects of the nation’s history and working toward justice and reconciliation. By ignoring his own role in past conflicts, Lekwot misses an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to this process.
Nigeria’s progress depends on its leaders’ ability to put the nation’s interest above personal and sectarian interests. This requires reorganizing the judiciary and security setup, ensuring that institutions serve the people rather than the interests of those in power . By doing so, leaders can restore trust and promote a sense of national unity.
Ultimately, Nigeria’s future relies on its leaders’ willingness to confront the past, seek forgiveness, and promote inclusivity. By taking these steps, leaders can create a brighter future for all Nigerians, one built on justice, equality, and unity.
While Lekwot’s opinions on governance may hold lean value, his own history and actions cannot be disregarded. True leadership involves confronting the past, seeking forgiveness, and working toward a more inclusive future. General Lekwot should not rewrite history this soon.
*Abdullahi Omanibe writes from Karu Abujaand and can be contacted on spiceeword@gmail.com
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