The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has made a formal appeal to President Bola Tinubu to use the upcoming June 12 Democracy Day celebration as an opportunity to grant amnesty to 1,335 repentant non-violent pro-Biafra agitators.
According to a joint statement issued on Wednesday by the factional Deputy President-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro and Spokesperson Thompson Ohia, these agitators have expressed willingness to surrender publicly and pledge their allegiance to the Federal Government during the June 12 Democracy Day commemorative activities in 2025.
Historic Opportunity for Reconciliation
Ohanaeze emphasized that this represents a significant milestone, noting that "for the first time in 55 years since the end of the Biafra war, repented and nonviolent pro-Biafra activists are ever willing to engage in dialogue with the Federal Government."
The statement revealed that it has taken 16 months of dedicated effort, including "intense pressure, persuasive engagements, and informed counsel from committed Igbo leadership and reputable international humanitarian organizations" to convince these agitators to seek dialogue with the government.
"The 2025 June 12 Democracy Day presents a rare opportunity for President Tinubu to decisively address long-standing grievances and injustices that have historically plagued the Old Eastern Region and the Igbo people," the statement read.
Conditions for Reconciliation
The agitators are reportedly seeking presidential amnesty, a peaceful resolution to ongoing insecurity in the Southeast, the dropping of all charges against them, and the application of political solutions to facilitate the release of detained Igbo prisoners of conscience.
Ohanaeze argued that granting amnesty would send "a powerful and unequivocal message to others contemplating similar paths" and affirm the government's commitment to eradicating radicalism, criminality, and extreme violence associated with Biafra agitation.
The group further suggested that such a move would demonstrate the administration's sincere intention to employ balanced, non-kinetic methods alongside incentives for peaceful resolution of longstanding issues.
Legacy-Defining Moment
According to Ohanaeze, accepting the agitators' allegiance after closed-door discussions and granting them presidential pardon would not only earn President Tinubu esteem as a champion of democracy but also "solidify his legacy as the President who successfully addressed the Biafra agitation."
The statement emphasized that such reconciliation efforts could inspire those who have been "misled into crime and armed struggle" to lay down their arms, fostering a climate in which all Nigerians can coexist harmoniously.
As of the time of this report, there has been no official response from the presidency regarding this appeal.
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