Njiko Igbo Forum Demands N100 Trillion Compensation Amid IBB’s Coup Revelations
In a bold and unprecedented move, the Njiko Igbo Forum, an affiliate of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has demanded N100 trillion in compensation from the Nigerian government for the injustices suffered by the Igbo people from 1966 to the present day. This demand comes in the wake of revelations by former military head of state, General Ibrahim Babangida (Rtd), who debunked the long-held belief that the 1966 coup was an “Igbo coup.”
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In his newly released memoir, A Journey in Service, Babangida revealed that the coup, often blamed on the Igbo, was actually led by a diverse group of officers from various ethnic backgrounds. This revelation has reignited debates about Nigeria’s history and the marginalization of the Igbo people.
The Demand for Compensation
In a statement issued on Monday, Rev. Dr. Okechukwu Christopher Obioha, President of the Njiko Igbo Forum, called on South-East members of the National Assembly to propose a bill seeking compensation for the Igbo people. According to Obioha, the compensation is for the “rejection, hate, marginalization, pogrom/genocide, and millions killed during the civil war, as well as economic losses due to the destruction of properties, businesses, and seized assets.”
He argued that these injustices were perpetuated by a “false narrative” that wrongly blamed the Igbo for the 1966 coup. Obioha emphasized that the coup was not an Igbo-led initiative but involved officers from various ethnic groups, including Kaduna Nzeogwu (Delta), Adewale Ademoyega (Yoruba), and Emmanuel Ifeajuna (Igbo), among others.
Babangida’s memoir also revealed that the coup was intended to free Chief Obafemi Awolowo from prison and install him as Nigeria’s Prime Minister. This revelation, according to Obioha, further exonerates the Igbo people from the long-standing blame for the coup and its aftermath.
A Call for Apology and Restitution
The Njiko Igbo Forum insists that the Nigerian government must apologize to the Igbo people and pay compensation for the “millions of lives lost” during the civil war and the decades of marginalization that followed. Obioha stated, “No amount of compensation can equate to the lives lost and the suffering endured, but it is a necessary step toward healing and reconciliation.”
The group also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who has been in detention for agitating against the marginalization of the Igbo people.
Election Controversy and Calls for Transparency
In addition to the compensation demand, the Njiko Igbo Forum called on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, to address the controversies surrounding the 2023 general election. The group expressed concerns that the truth about the election might only emerge years later, as was the case with the annulled 1993 presidential election, which was recently confirmed to have been won by Chief MKO Abiola.
Obioha asserted, “Peter Obi won the 2023 presidential election, and Prof. Mahmoud should repent and confess the truth. We do not want another memoir in the future revealing what we already know today.”
A Plea for Inclusion and Justice
The statement concluded with a plea for the recognition of the Igbo as an integral part of Nigeria. Obioha emphasized that the Igbo have been treated with “reckless abandon and ignominy” for over five decades and called for a “turnaround” in their treatment.
“The Igbo are a major partner in the project called Nigeria,” he said. “They deserve a sense of belonging and the right to exist as equal stakeholders in this nation.”
Critical Analysis
While the Njiko Igbo Forum’s demands highlight legitimate grievances, the feasibility of a N100 trillion compensation package raises questions. Such a demand, though symbolic of the scale of suffering, may be seen as unrealistic given Nigeria’s current economic challenges. However, the call for an apology and restitution is a significant step toward addressing historical injustices.
The revelations in Babangida’s memoir have opened old wounds but also provided an opportunity for a national reckoning. The Nigerian government must engage with these demands constructively, as ignoring them could further deepen ethnic tensions and hinder national unity.
The call for transparency in the 2023 election also underscores the need for electoral reforms to restore public trust in Nigeria’s democratic process. As the nation grapples with these issues, the path to reconciliation and justice remains fraught with challenges but is essential for a more inclusive and equitable future.
Reference
Njiko Igbo Forum Demands N100 Trillion Compensation Amid IBB’s Coup Revelations