Ifeanyi Ejiofor, the Lead Counsel for Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has called on the South-East governors to declare May 30 as a public holiday. Ejiofor made this request in a press statement on Thursday, emphasizing that the day should be dedicated to honoring the five million South-Easterners who lost their lives during the Nigerian Civil War.
In line with this request, the IPOB declared a sit-at-home order in the South-East on the same day. The order led to a significant shutdown of daily activities, with many schools, banks, and markets closed, and roads largely deserted, as reported by local sources.
However, the day was marred by violence in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State. Reports indicate that two military personnel were allegedly killed by unknown gunmen, and their vehicle was set on fire. This tragic incident highlights the tension and potential for unrest associated with such directives.
Ejiofor’s call for a public holiday seeks to institutionalize the commemoration of the civil war victims, aiming to ensure that their sacrifices are formally recognized and remembered. The response from the governors and the broader implications of this request on the region’s stability and peace remain to be seen.
He said: “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 within the policies and decisions of the government.”
“Further, we must remember the massacre of over 6,000 men, mainly residents of Asaba, who were gruesomely killed at Obosowe Asaba in 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.”
“It is important to note that no matter how long history is hidden, it will always reveal itself on true platforms. Unfortunately, the story of post-war reconstruction, reintegration, and reconciliation has remained a ruse. These three Rs must go hand in hand for a full healing process, but the reverse has been the case.”
“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.”
“It is worth noting that long before 2019, the entire South West states had set aside June 12 as a public holiday to commemorate the anniversary of the annulled 1993 Presidential election, adjudged to have been 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.”
“Only the truth can set us free from the bondage of war and propaganda. I also wish to use this solemn opportunity to call on the government, particularly the Federal Government, to unconditionally release genuine Biafran agitators who are being held in various detention facilities.”
“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.”
“They did not die for the cause of relentless perpetration of heinous crimes, not for the cause of kidnapping, not for the cause of rampant rape of their descendants, not for the cause of killing our innocent brothers and sisters by those who have sold their souls to evil.”