The National President of Igbo Women Assembly (IWA), Nneka Chimezie, has called on former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, to publicly address the 1966 coup, following recent statements by General Ibrahim Babangida that the coup was not an Igbo plot.
Chimezie made this appeal while discussing the May 30 sit-at-home observed in various parts of the South East to mark Biafra Heroes Day. She defended the observance, stating it serves as a way to honor those who lost their lives during the Nigerian Civil War.
Calls for Historical Clarity
"We have done a lot of research and discovered that the civil war was avoidable. The false narration that the 1966 coup was an Igbo coup, as recently confirmed by Gen. Babangida, has not been addressed," Chimezie stated.
The IWA President emphasized that Babangida's revelation should have prompted an official apology from the Federal Government to the Igbo people, who have long faced stigmatization over the coup's narrative.
Addressing Root Causes of Agitation
According to Chimezie, the renewed agitation for Biafra by youths stems from perceived continued injustice against the Igbo people. She advised the Federal Government to engage with agitators through peaceful dialogue rather than force, to address their grievances effectively.
The women's group also renewed calls for the unconditional release of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, arguing that his release would contribute to the healing process and help restore peace to the South East region.
"Kanu's release will rather fast-track the return of peace to the South East and not escalate tension in the region," the group stated.
Call for Igbo Unity
The IWA also emphasized the need for unity among the Igbo people while cautioning political leaders against prioritizing personal interests over those of the broader Igbo community.
This appeal comes amid ongoing discussions about national reconciliation and addressing historical injustices that continue to affect Nigeria's political landscape and inter-ethnic relations.
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