The Njiko Igbo Forum, an affiliate of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has called on the Nigerian government to compensate the Igbo people with N100 trillion for decades of injustice, marginalization, and economic losses suffered since 1966.
The demand follows revelations from former military head of state, General Ibrahim Babangida (Rtd), who, in his newly released book, A Journey in Service, stated that the 1966 coup—long believed to be an “Igbo coup”—was, in fact, not ethnically motivated.
In a statement issued on Monday, Rev. Dr. Okechukwu Christopher Obioha, President of Njiko Igbo Forum, urged South-East representatives in the National Assembly to sponsor a bill seeking adequate compensation for the Igbo people.
Reasons for the Demand
Rev. Obioha listed several historical injustices against the Igbo, including:
- The 1966 pogrom and the Nigerian Civil War, which led to the deaths of millions of Igbos.
- Economic losses due to the destruction of properties and businesses, including the seizure of assets.
- Political and economic marginalization spanning over 55 years.
“The false narrative of an ‘Igbo coup’ led to severe consequences for our people,” Obioha stated. “Now that incontrovertible evidence has emerged, it is time for Nigeria to apologize and provide reparations for the injustices suffered.”
He cited a list of key figures in the 1966 coup, emphasizing that its leadership was ethnically diverse, including:
- Kaduna Nzeogwu – Delta
- Adewale Ademoyega – Yoruba
- Capt. G. Adeleke – Yoruba
- Lt. Fola Oyewole – Yoruba
- Emmanuel Ifeajuna – Igbo
- Lt. Tijani Katsina – Hausa
- Capt. Gibson Jalo – Niger Delta
- Lt. O. Olafemiyan – Yoruba
Obioha further stated that the coup was intended to free Chief Obafemi Awolowo from prison and install him as Prime Minister, a fact now confirmed by key participants and historians.
Additional Demands
The group also made other critical demands, including:
- INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu should publicly reveal the true outcome of the 2023 presidential election.
- “We don’t want another scenario where, years later, memoirs reveal that Peter Obi won the election, just like Chief MKO Abiola was later confirmed as the actual winner of the 1993 presidential election,” Obioha warned.
- The unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
- “Kanu’s agitation stems from the consequences of the civil war and the marginalization of the Igbo. He must be freed immediately,” the statement read.
- An end to the systemic discrimination against Igbos.
- “For 55 years, the Igbo people have been treated with neglect and disdain. It is time for Nigeria to recognize us as an integral part of the nation and ensure our right to exist with dignity.”
The Njiko Igbo Forum insists that while no amount of money can compensate for the millions of lives lost, a meaningful gesture from the Nigerian government is necessary to right historical wrongs and promote national unity.
