- Demand: Apology from President Tinubu for past injustices.
- Compensation: ₦10 trillion sought for losses suffered by the Igbo.
- Historical Context: The 1966 coup and subsequent events, including the Biafra War.
- Key Figure: Former President Ibrahim Babangida’s revelation about the coup.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Seeks Justice: A Deep Dive
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, is not backing down. Following revelations by former military President Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, who admitted the 1966 coup wasn’t an ‘Igbo coup,’ the group is demanding accountability and reparations.
Why Now? The Babangida Revelation
Babangida’s recent statement during his book launch, “A Journey in Service,” has reignited the debate around the 1966 coup. Ohanaeze Ndigbo sees this as a pivotal moment for Nigeria to confront its past injustices.
The ₦10 Trillion Question: What’s It For?
The group is asking for ₦10 trillion as compensation from President Bola Tinubu. Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Deputy National President of Ohanaeze, emphasizes that this figure isn’t arbitrary but a symbolic recognition of the immense losses endured by the Igbo people.
A History of Pain: The Biafra War and Beyond
The 1966 coup had disastrous repercussions, culminating in the Biafra War. Approximately three million Igbo people, mostly women and children, were killed during the conflict. This trauma continues to affect the collective consciousness of the Igbo.
Post-War Injustices: Marginalization and Neglect
Even after the Biafra War, the Igbo nation has faced systemic injustices. These include fewer states in the Nigerian federation, political conspiracies to deny Igbo presidency, economic neglect like the closure of the Calabar seaport, and the lack of functional international airports in the Southeast. According to a report by the Council on Foreign Relations, regional inequalities remain a significant challenge in Nigeria.
Ohanaeze’s Demands: Echoes of the Past
Ohanaeze Ndigbo is reiterating demands made during the Justice Oputa-led Judicial Commission in 1999. They argue that the Federal Government, under General Yakubu Gowon, conducted unjustified bombardments in Igbo territory during the Nigeria-Biafra War. This, they say, is an irrefutable case for reparations. These demands also align with ongoing discussions about restructuring and resource control in Nigeria, as noted by Premium Times.
Tinubu’s Opportunity: A Chance for Reconciliation
Ohanaeze believes President Tinubu has an opportunity to extend a public apology on behalf of previous military regimes. They see this as a crucial step toward reconciliation and healing.
Babangida’s Confession: Forgiveness, But Not Forgetfulness
The Igbo people are extending forgiveness to General Babangida and others involved in the atrocities. However, they emphasize that accountability is still necessary for those who participated in the tragic events that decimated the Igbo populace. The BBC has also covered extensively on the lasting impact of the Biafra War, BBC Africa.
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