By Olusegun Olanrewaju
On the 54th anniversary of the Biafran war, the foremost pan-Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has called on President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress
(APC)-led the Federal Government to officially end the war against the ethnic nationality.
The war officially ended on 15th January 1970.
Yesterday, the organisation said It is time for the implementation of the 3Rs (Reconstruction, Reconciliation, and Rehabilitation) upon which the principle underscoring the ending of the war was etched, adding that the opening up of the Eastern corridor for economic development and the liberation of the old Eastern region was nigh.
Ohanaeze maintained that the Ndigbo had been enduring persecution and economic strangulation due to the historical neglect of the old Eastern region by past Federal Governments.
It added that, while other zones had benefitted from the centre, the South-East had been systematically excluded and deprived of their rightful share.
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According to the organisation, major infrastructures destroyed during the three years and six months of the Biafran war have not been adequately reconstructed by previous military and civilian governments over the past 54 years.
Ohanaeze added that genuine reconciliation from the Federal Government towards the Ndigbo had been lacking, replaced by the deliberate exclusion of the South-East from certain privileges and the denial of access to viable seaports in the old Eastern region, such as the permanent closure of the Calabar seaport.
Additionally, it added, the reparation fees demanded by Igbo leaders during the Obasanjo and Yar’Adua regimes had not been paid, and the implementation of the 2014 Constitutional Conference and the restructuring proposals put forth by the APC committee led by former Governor Nasir el-Rufai had been disregarded.
“Furthermore, the granting of pardons to the IPoB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, and Biafra agitators who are genuinely fighting against previous governments’ untold persecution is yet to be realised.
“Another aspect that demands urgent attention is the rehabilitation of the old Eastern region through increased federal presence.
“The lack of federal infrastructural development in the South-East is deeply concerning. Ohanaeze Ndigbo, through its Secretary General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, implores President Tinubu to utilise his esteemed office to initiate the end of the war by prioritising reconciliation, reconstruction, and rehabilitation in the South-East.”
The organisation 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 the Igbo from President Tinubu, as it will not only address the current insecurity challenges in the South-East but also lay the foundation for the region’s prosperous future.
The statement further averred, “It is imperative to acknowledge that the Ndigbo is still traumatised by the nightmares and horrific killings of over two million Igbo, 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 South-East.
