In a press statement issued on Thursday, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, the lead counsel for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), called on governors in the south-east region to declare May 30 as a public holiday.
Ejiofor stated that IPOB has designated it as a day of remembrance for the over five million South Easterners who perished during the Nigerian Civil War, from July 6, 1967, to January 15, 1970.
Ejiofor stated, “It is a time of introspection, a moment to consider the position of Biafrans in modern-day Nigeria and their relevance in the broader national context. Unfortunately, the issues that ultimately led to the Biafran war are still present in the policies and decisions of the government.”
He urged the Nigerian government to acknowledge the massacre of over 6,000 men in Asaba, present-day Delta State, between October 4 and 7, 1967.
“Nigeria is under a moral obligation to acknowledge this tragedy, as it was not the making of Asaba,” he said.
Ejiofor pointed out the importance of addressing the “three “Rs”—reconstruction, reintegration, and reconciliation—for a full healing process.
“These three Rs must go hand in hand for a full healing process, but the reverse has been the case,” he added.
In his appeal to the South-East governors, Ejiofor said, “I use this moment of sober reflection to call on all South-East governors to dedicate May 30 as a public holiday, as a mark of respect and honour for Biafran fallen heroes. It is not asking too much to remember and commemorate Biafran heroes and heroines by declaring this date a public holiday across Biafraland.”
Ejiofor pointed out that the South-West states had set aside June 12 as a public holiday to commemorate the annulled 1993 presidential election won by the late MKO Abiola.
“Heaven did not fall when the South-West governors made this declaration in unison. Rather, the Federal Government was later compelled by the strong resolve of these leaders to consequently declare June 12 a national public holiday starting from 2019 to date.”
He urged the government to unconditionally release genuine Biafran agitators held in various detention facilities, stating, “Only the truth can set us free from the bondage of war and propaganda.”
Ejiofor concluded by saying that declaring May 30 a public holiday in Igboland would alleviate the anger and ill-feelings of marginalised Southeasterners.
“As we continue to pray for the repose of our fallen heroes and heroines massacred during the civil war and subsequently, may we remember the cause for which they died,” he added.
