Njiko Igbo Forum Demands N100 Trillion Compensation Following IBB’s Revelation

The Njiko Igbo Forum, an affiliate of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has called on the Nigerian government to pay N100 trillion in compensation for what it describes as decades of injustice suffered by the Igbo people since 1966.

This demand follows recent revelations by former military head of state, General Ibrahim Babangida (Rtd), in his newly released book, *A Journey in Service*. Babangida stated that the 1966 coup, long believed to be an “Igbo coup,” was, in fact, not orchestrated solely by the Igbo.

In a statement released on Monday, the President of Njiko Igbo Forum, Rev. Dr. Okechukwu Christopher Obioha, urged lawmakers from the South-East to sponsor a bill in the National Assembly seeking compensation for the Igbo people. He argued that this would address historical injustices, including marginalization, economic losses, and the killing of millions during the civil war.

Citing Babangida’s revelation, Obioha emphasized that the leaders of the 1966 coup came from diverse ethnic backgrounds, including Yoruba, Hausa, and Niger Delta officers. He further claimed that the coup was primarily aimed at freeing Chief Obafemi Awolowo from prison and installing him as Nigeria’s Prime Minister, not at advancing an Igbo agenda.

Obioha insisted that Nigeria must acknowledge the suffering of the Igbo people over the past 55 years and take steps toward reconciliation. He stressed that while no amount of money could compensate for the millions of lives lost, financial reparations would be a starting point for healing.

The group also called on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, to disclose the true outcome of the 2023 general election. They warned against a situation where, decades later, another memoir would reveal that Peter Obi was the rightful winner, similar to how Chief MKO Abiola is now acknowledged as the true winner of the 1993 election.

Additionally, the Forum demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), citing his agitation as a direct consequence of the civil war and its lingering effects.

The statement concluded by urging Nigeria to recognize the Igbo as an integral part of the country and to take concrete steps to ensure they receive full inclusion and equal treatment in national affairs.