Tinubu should use Babangida’s revelation to apologize to Ndigbo over 1966 coup – Ken Okonkwo

DDM News

Nigerian politician and lawyer, Kenneth Okonkwo, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to apologize to the Igbo people.

He believes Tinubu should take advantage of former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida’s recent revelation about the 1966 coup.

Okonkwo made this appeal through his official X account on Saturday after Babangida’s book, A Journey in Service, was released, Diaspora digital media (DDM) reports.

The 1966 coup remains one of Nigeria’s most significant political events, shaping the country’s political and social trajectory.

The coup was led by young officers who assassinated key political figures, leading to a counter-coup and the Nigerian Civil War.

Many have blamed the Igbo for the coup, causing ethnic tensions and marginalization of the southeastern region over the decades.

Okonkwo insists that the 1966 coup was not an “Igbo coup” but a military action devoid of ethnic sentiments.

Background of the 1966 coup and its aftermath

The first coup in Nigeria occurred on January 15, 1966, led by Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu and other young military officers.

The coup resulted in the assassination of political leaders, including Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and Premier Sir Ahmadu Bello.

Other victims included the Premier of the Western Region, Chief Samuel Akintola, and several top military and political figures.

The coup plotters claimed they wanted to rid Nigeria of corruption and political instability affecting the nation.

However, the ethnic composition of the officers involved led to the perception that the Igbo were behind the coup.

The coup did not eliminate key Igbo leaders like President Nnamdi Azikiwe and Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi.

This perception fueled suspicion and led to a counter-coup in July 1966, spearheaded by northern military officers.

Aguiyi-Ironsi was killed during the counter-coup, further escalating ethnic tensions and leading to the Nigerian Civil War.

The aftermath of the 1966 coup saw violent attacks on the Igbo community, resulting in mass killings and displacements.

For decades, the perception of an “Igbo coup” persisted, influencing policies that marginalized the southeastern region politically and economically.

Many Igbo leaders have called for national reconciliation to address the injustices stemming from the coup and its consequences.

Babangida’s revelation and its implications

In his book A Journey in Service, Babangida provided fresh insights into the 1966 coup and its historical context.

He stated that the coup was not an ethnic agenda but a military operation by officers seeking to restructure leadership.

His account aligns with historical analyses that describe the coup as a revolutionary action rather than an ethnic conspiracy.

Kenneth Okonkwo, reacting to Babangida’s revelation, urged the federal government to acknowledge the injustice that followed the coup.

He emphasized that the persistent tag of an “Igbo coup” has been unfair to the Igbo people for decades.

Okonkwo insisted that President Tinubu should seize this opportunity to apologize and offer reparations to the Igbo community.

Okonkwo’s call for apology and reconciliation

Okonkwo believes the misconception surrounding the 1966 coup has caused continuous marginalization of the Igbo in Nigeria.

He argues that the federal government should correct historical wrongs by offering an official apology to the Igbo people.

“The federal government under Tinubu should use this opportunity of Babangida’s revelation to formally apologize to Ndigbo,” Okonkwo wrote.

He added that suitable reparations should be provided to compensate the Igbo for the atrocities committed against them.

The call for an apology has sparked discussions among Nigerians regarding the importance of addressing past national injustices.

Some political analysts agree that acknowledging the impact of the coup could promote unity and reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to justice.

Historical precedents and the case for reparations

Many governments have acknowledged past injustices and offered apologies as part of national reconciliation efforts.

South Africa established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address the atrocities committed during the apartheid era.

Germany acknowledged its role in World War II and paid reparations to Holocaust victims and their families.

In the United States, the government formally apologized for the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.

In Nigeria, the aftermath of the 1966 coup saw widespread violence against the Igbo, leading to the Biafran War.

Successive governments have attempted to reintegrate the Igbo, but many believe genuine reconciliation has not been achieved.

The call for an official apology and reparations has been a long-standing demand by Igbo leaders and intellectuals.

Okonkwo’s position aligns with other figures who believe addressing historical injustices is essential for Nigeria’s progress.

Beyond an apology, Okonkwo insists that economic policies should be designed to uplift the southeastern region.

He argues that the region has faced infrastructural neglect and limited federal investment since the 1966 coup.

The federal government’s possible response

The Tinubu administration has not officially responded to Okonkwo’s call for an apology over the 1966 coup.

Some political observers suggest that acknowledging the coup’s consequences could foster national unity and reconciliation.

Tinubu, known for his political pragmatism, may consider addressing the issue as part of his administration’s national cohesion efforts.

If the federal government takes Okonkwo’s suggestion seriously, it could set a precedent for addressing historical grievances.

An official acknowledgment of the coup’s consequences, followed by inclusive policies, could help foster a sense of belonging.

Political analysts argue that a formal apology would be a major step toward national healing and equity.

Conclusion

The 1966 coup remains a defining moment in Nigeria’s history, influencing its political and social landscape for decades.

The persistent perception of the coup as an “Igbo coup” has contributed to deep-seated biases against the Igbo people.

With Babangida’s recent revelation clarifying the coup’s nature, Kenneth Okonkwo has urged Tinubu to offer a formal apology.

Okonkwo believes the federal government should go beyond words and implement reparations for the affected Igbo people.

While the call has generated mixed reactions, it underscores the need for Nigeria to confront its historical wounds.

A formal apology and genuine reconciliation could pave the way for a more united and equitable nation.

As Nigeria continues its democratic journey, addressing past injustices remains crucial for lasting peace and national progress.

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