In a momentous turn of events that promises to reshape the sociopolitical landscape of Nigeria, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex sociocultural organization representing the Igbo nation, proudly announces the acceptance of the Nonviolent Pro-Biafra Agitators to extend a hand of peace toward the Federal Government of Nigeria. For over a decade, persistent calls from the international community and affiliated United Nations peace groups have implored these dignified advocates for self-determination to embrace dialogue, advocating for unity and reconciliation in the pursuit of peace.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo regards this historic gesture as one of the greatest miracles ever witnessed in the annals of Nigeria’s history. The forthcoming dialogue promises not only a revival of the legendary “Aburi Accord” of 1967 held in Ghana, but also a commitment to address the myriad grievances stemming from decades of discord that have fueled Biafra agitation since the conclusion of the Nigerian Civil War in 1970.
The Nonviolent Pro-Biafra Agitators have graciously offered President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration an olive branch to engage in meaningful discussions to resolve the lingering “Igbo Question,” which remains a festering sore within the nation’s psyche. This olive branch seeks to account for the unmet promises of General Yakubu Gowon’s policies of reconciliation, reconstruction, and rehabilitation that were intended to heal the wounds inflicted by the civil war. Additionally, it aims to rectify the systematic injustices faced by the Igbo people, as exemplified by longstanding policies such as the quota system and the closure of Eastern economic corridors since 1970.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo acknowledges President Tinubu’s initial steps toward rebuilding infrastructure in the Southeast, viewing this as an indication of a commitment to address long-standing issues. The proposed dialogue in Abuja presents an unprecedented opportunity for President Tinubu to acquire firsthand insights into the legitimate grievances that underpin the Biafra agitation. Should he accept this rare opportunity, he would achieve a historic victory by laying the groundwork for national healing and unity, a feat that has eluded his predecessors for the past 55 years.
In light of these developments, we implore the Federal Government to seize this momentous occasion with both hands, particularly following the recent exoneration of the Igbo people from the 1966 coup by former Military President General Ibrahim Babangida. The government must thereby consider the significant advantages of pursuing peaceful dialogue rather than squandering budgetary allocations on ineffective security measures that have failed to yield results.
However, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo is fully cognizant of the nefarious attempts by certain elements benefiting from the current state of insecurity in the Southeast to undermine this peace initiative, labeled “Abuja Dialogue.” These entities, comprising both elected officials and non-state actors, have vested interests in perpetuating chaos for their own selfish gains.
It is imperative to recognize that many corrupt figures across governmental strata will resist this transformative dialogue, understanding that it threatens their ill-gotten gains. Should this remarkable opportunity be allowed to flourish, we can envision the release of prisoners of conscience, including Nnamdi Kanu and others, the reopening of the Eastern Economic Corridor, and, most crucially, a cessation of violence masquerading as legitimate agitation.
The Preferred Nonviolent Pro-Biafra Agitators are steadfast in their commitment to principles of self-determination, echoing the legacies of revered leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Nelson Mandela, who championed peaceful struggles for justice and equality.
As we stand on the cusp of this potential metamorphosis, Ohanaeze Ndigbo encourages all parties involved to commit to this dialogue fervently and sincerely, thereby charting a new course toward reconciliation, mutual respect, and lasting peace in Nigeria.
Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro
Deputy President General
Ohanaeze Ndigbo
Chief Thompson Ohia
National Spokesman
Ohanaeze Ndigbo
