May 26, (THEWILL) – The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately engage in dialogue with non-violent pro-Biafra agitators in the Southeast to resolve the longstanding Biafra conflict or risk losing the region to opposition parties.
The warning came in a press statement issued on Tuesday and signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro and Chief Thompson Ohia, Deputy President General and National Spokesman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, respectively.
The statement cautioned that President Tinubu must not rely solely on endorsements or the defection of Southeast governors to the All Progressives Congress (APC) without addressing the ongoing agitation and unrest rooted in issues dating back to the Nigeria-Biafra Civil War, which ended 55 years ago.
The statement reads in part:
“As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marks the second anniversary of his administration, we at the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, vigorously urge the Federal Government to initiate immediate dialogue with non-violent pro-Biafra leaders.
“This is a rare and critical opportunity—perhaps the most significant in 55 years—to resolve the long-standing Biafra conflict, an initiative that must not be overlooked.
“The failure of the Federal Government to embrace this dialogue stands as one of its gravest missteps and an unacceptable inaction. Had the government shown foresight and courage in addressing the legitimate grievances of the Southeast, President Tinubu would be celebrated as a unifying hero rather than facing the widespread discontent currently permeating the region.”
It added, “The consequences of ignoring this opportunity are dire; neglecting to engage with non-violent Biafra leaders risks perpetuating unrest and agitation that have defined the Southeast since the Civil War’s end.
“For clarity, these non-violent pro-Biafra activists remain unbanned and unproscribed. For over two decades, they have consistently championed justice and peace, opposing atrocities and inhumane treatment directed at the Southeast people.
“Their peaceful struggle has never been linked to violent crimes or armed conflict against the Federal or State Governments. This makes them vital stakeholders in resolving the myriad challenges facing the Southeast today.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo is confident these leaders can assist the Federal Government in overcoming the violence and insecurity hindering peace in the region. The historic dialogue elusive to past administrations can be realized through constructive engagement with these leaders.
“As we look ahead to 2027, we warn President Tinubu of looming disturbances. The elections will serve as a referendum on the nation’s deepening issues of hunger and poverty.
“In this context, the President must not place undue reliance on political endorsements or governor defections, which often amount to little more than lip service. Such tactics are deceptive and pose a real threat to the integrity of his re-election bid.
“The uncomfortable truth is that the Southeast risks falling under the sway of opposition coalitions determined to unseat the current administration. The influence of Southeast governors has diminished, and their endorsements lack substance.
“In contrast, non-violent Biafra agitators wield significant influence over the sentiments of the Southeast populace. Their goodwill and historic offers for reconciliation underscore the urgent need for dialogue.
“In conclusion, President Tinubu’s political survival is deeply linked to his engagement with the Igbo people, whose voices span Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas. This administration must recognize dialogue as a catalyst for lasting peace and progress.
“The moment for decisive action is now. We, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, stand ready to facilitate this essential dialogue for the benefit of all.”
Sunday Ogbu is a professional journalist with eight - twelve years experience that had worked with various print and online media. Sunday specializes in news reporting with the aim of educating his readers on current social, political and economic occurences within his area of coverage. Sunday is a strong force to work with in the media industry and uses his positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others to work hard and succeed. Sunday is inspired daily by his wife and their four children. In his free time, Sunday likes sight-seeing, reading and discussing issues of societal interest.
