Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the leading Igbo socio-cultural group, has urged President Bola Tinubu and the APC administration to formally “end the war against the Igbo.”
The organisation issued the request on the 54th anniversary of the conclusion of the Biafran War.
Ohanaeze Secretary-General Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro accused previous governments of historical negligence and economic strangulation in a statement released on Monday, saying, “Ndigbo has endured persecution and economic strangulation due to the historical neglect of the old Eastern region by past Federal governments. While other zones have benefited from the centre, the Southeast has been systematically excluded and deprived of its rightful share. Major infrastructure destroyed during the 3 and 6 months of the Biafra war have not been adequately reconstructed by previous military and civilian governments over the past 54 years.”
Isiguzoro lambasted the Southeast’s “systematic exclusion” from development programs, citing outdated infrastructure and the shutdown of vital seaports such as Calabar. He requested the execution of the “3Rs” – Reconstruction, Reconciliation, and Rehabilitation – as detailed in the 2014 National Conference report.
Isiguzoro said the rejection of compensation for war victims, as well as the continuing arrest of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, are perceived as symbols of Igbo marginalisation.
“President Tinubu must prioritize the East,” Isiguzoro said. “Reconciliation, not rhetoric, is what we need. Granting pardons, investing in infrastructure, and opening up the Eastern corridor are crucial steps towards healing the wounds of the past and securing a prosperous future for Ndigbo.”
The statement added: “While we commend the Federal government’s efforts to reconstruct our federal roads with high-quality cement technology, we appeal for comprehensive reconciliation and sustainable rehabilitation of the East. This is the expectation of Igbos from President Tinubu, as it will not only address the current insecurity challenges in the Southeast but also lay the foundation for the region’s prosperous future. It is imperative to acknowledge that Ndigbo is still traumatized by the nightmares and horrific killings of over 2 million Igbos, mostly women, and children, resulting from the economic policies and military assaults during the Biafra war, championed by figures like Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo remains hopeful that President Tinubu, as a leader known for his commitment to justice and fairness, will champion the cause to end the war and bring about lasting peace, reconciliation, and development in the Southeast.”
