June 12: Ohanaeze Urges Tinubu To Dialogue With Non Violent Biafra Agitators, Address Insecurity In Southeast
Alex Odeh
The pan Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to use the June 12 democracy day celebration to engage non Biafra agitators, and address insecurity in the Southeast.
A press statement issued and signed on Sunday by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Deputy President General Ohanaeze Ndigbo, called upon President Tinubu to use the opportunity to harness reshape Nigeria’s narrative.
According to him, there was need for the President to strengthen democratic institutions such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and to also muster the courage to implement the resolutions of the 2014 National Conference.
He said, “To President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we impart this crucial message: do not misconstrue our decision to abstain from national protests as a sign of weakness. We remain acutely aware of the precarious state of democracy within Nigeria.
“June 12 serves as a significant reminder in our collective quest for democratic governance. Despite the prevailing challenges, the Igbo people stand resolute in their commitment to Nigeria’s future and urge you to embrace the opportunity to orchestrate meaningful reforms.
“We call upon President Tinubu to harness this moment to reshape Nigeria’s narrative. If he musters the courage to implement the resolutions of the 2014 National Conference, he will surely find the unwavering support of the Igbo people.
“We advocate for strengthening democratic institutions such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and urge the immediate implementation of the Uwais and Nnamani committee reports on vital electoral reforms. Such reforms must include strict penalties for electoral fraud, significantly enhancing the security and integrity of our electoral processes.
“Moreover, we expect that the upcoming 2025 National Census will decisively incorporate categories of ethnicity and religion to prevent historical injustices like those witnessed in the 1963 Census, which served to advantage certain regions through fraudulent manipulation.
“Finally, we implore President Tinubu to utilize this June 12 as an opportunity to engage in crucial dialogue with non-violent Biafra agitators. Such dialogue is essential for resolving the pervasive insecurity challenges facing the Southeast and for fostering a path toward genuine national reconciliation—a goal that successive administrations have shamefully neglected for over five decades since the Biafra War.
“President Tinubu possesses a critical opportunity to address the underlying grievances of the Biafra agitation if he takes steps toward constructive dialogue with the agitators on June 12, 2025.
“In conclusion, the position of Ohanaeze Ndigbo is clear and resolute: our commitment to the welfare of our people remains paramount, and we will not be complicit in any actions that further jeopardize our safety and well-being”, he stated.
