The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has issued a strong appeal to the Federal Government led by President Bola Tinubu to open channels of dialogue with non-violent pro-Biafra agitators. In a critical statement released on Tuesday, the organization described this initiative as a historic and long-overdue opportunity to resolve the decades-long Biafra conflict, a challenge that has persisted for over 55 years.
According to Ohanaeze, the Federal Government’s ongoing reluctance to engage with these leaders risks exacerbating instability in the Southeast region, with far-reaching consequences for national cohesion and security.
In a joint statement by the factional Deputy President-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and National Spokesperson, Chief Thompson Ohia, Ohanaeze emphasized the necessity of addressing legitimate grievances through peaceful means rather than repression.
The statement stressed:
“The failure to initiate constructive dialogue has resulted in missed opportunities to heal wounds left by the Nigeria-Biafra War, whose aftereffects linger in the Southeast.”
It further clarified that the non-violent pro-Biafra activists remain lawful and unproscribed, having maintained a consistent stance of peaceful advocacy for the rights and welfare of the Southeast people.
The pro-Biafra movement, led by nonviolent agitators, has for over two decades been the moral voice opposing what they describe as systemic neglect and injustices in the Southeast. Ohanaeze urged the Federal Government to leverage dialogue as the key to dismantling cycles of violence and insecurity that continue to plague the region.
“History shows that meaningful reconciliation arises from dialogue, not suppression,” the statement said, warning that previous administrations have failed to seize this path.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, Ohanaeze cautioned that the political landscape is fraught with potential unrest linked to unresolved socio-economic issues like poverty and hunger, which continue to affect millions across Nigeria.
Addressing President Tinubu directly, Ohanaeze warned against placing undue confidence in political endorsements or defections by governors, which they described as often motivated by self-interest rather than genuine support.
Drawing lessons from the 2015 elections, where former President Goodluck Jonathan’s campaign was undermined by similar political dynamics, Ohanaeze stressed that the Southeast risks political marginalization if the government ignores the region’s rising voices.
The statement highlighted the growing influence of non-violent pro-Biafra leaders, who now command significant support across the Southeast’s 774 Local Government Areas. Ohanaeze described these leaders as the “predominant voice” in the region and urged the Federal Government to accept their offer of reconciliation and dialogue as a vital step toward sustainable peace.
The organization called on the government to seize this opportunity to foster unity, peace, and national healing, warning that failure to do so could repeat the mistakes of the past.
Ohanaeze concluded its statement by appealing to all stakeholders to work toward a future defined by mutual understanding and dialogue:
“Let us collectively advance towards a future founded on dialogue, understanding, and reconciliation. The time for action is now.”
The pro-Biafra agitation stems from longstanding demands for autonomy and redress of perceived marginalization of the Igbo people and other ethnic groups in Nigeria’s Southeast. Though marked by periods of violent conflict, the current non-violent movement presents an opportunity for peaceful engagement and nation-building.
President Tinubu’s administration faces significant challenges as Nigeria approaches a pivotal election year, with calls for inclusion and fairness growing louder from various regions. Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s appeal underscores the critical need for inclusive governance and conflict resolution strategies to maintain national unity and promote development.