Ohaneze Youth Council (OYC), the apex umbrella socio-cultural organization Igbo youths worldwide, has called on the governors of the Igbo.
Speaking states to declare May 30 every year, “Biafra Heroes’ Day in memory of those that lost their lives during the civil war that lasted from 1967 to 1970.
The group stated this in a press statement signed by their National President Igboayaka O. Igboayaka and Secretary Comrade Ifeanyichukwu Nweke.
The council urged Ndigbo to adhere strictly to the shut down of the Eastern Region as directed by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) led by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and other pro-Biafra groups.
In addition to the sit at home order, Comrade Igboayaka O Igboayaka instructed all Igbos residing abroad to wear black attire in their respective offices and business establishments as a tribute to the 4.3 million Igbos allegedly killed by the Federal Government led by Gen. Yakubu Gowon in conjunction with the British Government from 1967-1970.
Comrade Igboayaka declared that it is necessary for Igbos living outside Biafra territory to wear black attire as a symbol of mourning to honor Biafra victims and demonstrate faith in pursuit of freedom for Igbos.
Comrade Igboayaka expressed regret that Igbo Governors and other leaders have abandoned the observance of “Biafra Hero’s Day”, a somber memorial of the tragic period in Ndigbo’s history, specifically the “Biafra Genocide 1967-1970”.
The 2027 general election presents another significant opportunity for Ndigbo. Ndigbo must elect leaders from governors, National Assembly, and State Assembly who possess the boldness to recall the survival story of Ndigbo (1966-1970 genocide) and are prepared to defend Alaigbo without fear or pretence, as revealed by Comrade Igboayaka.
The political retirement of past and current political office holders in Southeast in 2027, who sabotage our freedom quest, is a task that must be undertaken through a “Ballot Revolution” that will cause a political tsunami, the only means of electing genuine Igbo representatives into political offices in Alaigbo, instead of allowing Fulani stooges to represent us.
While Yoruba political leaders proudly commemorate the memorial of Chief MKO Abiola’s ill-political treatment and death every June 12, it is unfortunate and painful that Igbo political leaders Governors, Senators, etc are hiding and have failed to organize a memorial event to honor the 4.3 million victims of General Yakubu Gowon’s actions, which were driven by desperation and greed to control oil-rich Igboland and maintain Nigeria’s unsustainable unity.
It is unfortunate that General Yakubu Gowon, who played a key role in the conflict resulting in significant Igbo casualties, both destruction of Igbo Properties and killing of 4.3million Igbos introduced the 3Rs – Reconciliation, Reconstruction, and Rehabilitation, but did not implement these policies in any part of Biafra territory, a shortcoming also evident in the policies of successive governments in Nigeria.
If achieving democracy or Nigerian unity proves to be unattainable, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should take a reconciliatory step by heeding the call for the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB, and inclusive to other members of pro-Biafran groups arrested by Nigeria Police, DSS and army by announcing their release on May 29th, Democracy Day celebration, as part of Reconciliation policy in Nigeria, Comrade Igboayaka stated.
