The apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has demanded a formal apology and a ₦10 trillion compensation from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration following former military ruler General Ibrahim Babangida’s (IBB) recent disclosure that the Igbo people were not behind the 1996 coup.
IBB’s Shocking Revelation
General Babangida’s statement has reignited old wounds and sparked fresh conversations about the marginalization and unfair persecution of the Igbo people. In a recent interview, IBB clarified that contrary to popular belief, Igbos had no involvement in the 1996 coup, which led to the execution and persecution of many military officers and civilians.
For years, the coup was widely associated with Igbo officers, leading to severe repercussions, discrimination, and political exclusion of the ethnic group.
Ohanaeze’s Demands
Following this revelation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has called on President Tinubu to:
Issue a public apology on behalf of the Nigerian government for the wrongful accusations.
Pay ₦10 trillion as compensation for the decades of suffering, wrongful killings, and economic setbacks faced by the Igbo people due to this misinformation.
Ensure a more inclusive and fair treatment of the Igbo ethnic group in national politics and governance.
Historical Injustice and Lingering Grievances
The 1996 coup, which led to the execution of prominent officers, further deepened the political and social alienation of the Igbos in Nigeria. This, coupled with the aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War, has fueled resentment and demands for justice over the years.
Many Igbos believe that this false narrative of coup involvement contributed to their continued marginalization, underrepresentation in governance, and economic setbacks.
Reactions from Political Stakeholders
Igbo Leaders: Several Igbo leaders have backed Ohanaeze’s demands, insisting that the government must acknowledge the historical injustices faced by the ethnic group.
Northern and Western Political Figures: Some politicians argue that while an apology may be necessary, the demand for ₦10 trillion compensation is unrealistic and could create further ethnic tensions.
Nigerian Citizens: The revelation has sparked intense debate, with some calling for national unity and reconciliation, while others question why it took so long for IBB to reveal the truth.
Will the Government Respond?
The Nigerian government has yet to issue an official response to Ohanaeze’s demands. However, analysts believe that this renewed call for justice may influence future political discourse and ethnic relations in Nigeria.
As this issue unfolds, it remains to be seen whether President Tinubu’s administration will engage in dialogue, offer reparations, or simply dismiss the demands.
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Written By Fortune Davidson