Ohanaeze Faction Urges Tinubu To Embrace Peace Dialogue With Pro-Biafra Agitators.
A faction of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to embrace a peace initiative extended by non-violent pro-Biafra agitators, calling for meaningful dialogue to resolve long-standing issues in the South-East.
In a statement released in Abakaliki on Sunday, Deputy National President of the Ohanaeze faction, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, urged the President to consider the merits of engaging in peaceful discussions with groups previously associated with Biafra agitation, particularly in light of recent developments.
Isiguzoro referenced the recent book, *A Journey in Service*, by former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, which he said vindicated the Igbo from accusations surrounding the 1966 coup. He noted that this historical clarification paves the way for a fresh approach to unity and reconciliation.
According to him, the move by non-violent pro-Biafra groups to extend an olive branch to the Federal Government is “miraculous” and a significant moment in Nigeria’s post-war history. He said the development follows over a decade of diplomatic advocacy by international organisations and United Nations-affiliated peace groups.
“This gesture marks a turning point and represents a golden opportunity to resolve grievances that have lingered since the end of the civil war in 1970,” he said.
Isiguzoro stated that the upcoming peace dialogue, informally referred to as the “Abuja Accord,” is reminiscent of the historic Aburi talks in Ghana and is expected to directly address issues that have fuelled the Biafran agitation over the years.
He commended President Tinubu’s initial efforts to revitalise infrastructure in the South-East, describing the proposed dialogue as a vital platform for the President to gain firsthand understanding of the region’s concerns.
Meanwhile, legal developments surrounding the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), continue to unfold. Ahead of the resumption of his trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja on 29 April, four additional Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) have joined his defence team.
Kanu’s Special Counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, announced that prominent legal figures including Professor Onyechi Ikpeazu, Emeka Etiaba, Mela Audu Nunghe, and Joseph Akubo, would now be representing the IPOB leader. He also informed the court of the attendance of family members and supporters at the hearing.
The development signals renewed attention on both political and legal efforts aimed at resolving the Biafra issue through peaceful and lawful means.
