In celebration of the 54th anniversary of the end of the Biafra War, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural group has called on President Bola Tinubu led government to officially “end the war against Igbo.”
Accusing past administrations of historical neglect and economic strangulation, Ohanaeze Secretary-General Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, in a statement on Monday, said, “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 benefitted from the center, the Southeast has been systematically excluded and deprived of its rightful share. Major infrastructures 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.”
Pointing to dilapidated infrastructure and the closure of key seaports like Calabar, Isiguzoro blasted the “systematic exclusion” of the Southeast from development projects. He demanded the implementation of the “3Rs” – Reconstruction, Reconciliation, and Rehabilitation – outlined in the 2014 National Conference report.
Further fueling Igbo resentment, Isiguzoro said the denial of reparations for war victims and the continued detention of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu is seen by many as a symbol 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.”