History
Ndigbo Applauds IBB’s Revelation On 1966 Coup, Demands Apology From FG
Ndigbo Applauds IBB’s Revelation On 1966 Coup, Demands Apology From FG
Ndigbo applauds IBB’s revelation on 1966 coup, demands apology from FG. Apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has commended former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), for clarifying that the January 1966 Coup was not an Igbo-led uprising.
The organization described this revelation as a significant step toward correcting historical misrepresentations that have long fueled animosity toward the Igbo people in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Ohanaeze emphasized that Babangida’s assertion challenges the deep-seated notion that Igbos were solely responsible for the coup, a narrative that has led to decades of discrimination, hostility, and marginalization.
The former military leader made this statement during the launch of his book, A Journey in Service, where he explicitly stated that the Igbo community should not be blamed for the 1966 coup or labeled as adversaries of the North.
In a statement released on Sunday by Ohanaeze’s factional Deputy President-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the group highlighted the long-term consequences of the erroneous labeling of the 1966 coup.
It noted that this mischaracterization contributed to the July 1966 Counter-Coup, the tragic Nigeria-Biafra War, and the continued systemic injustices against the Igbo people, including political exclusion and economic marginalization.
The statement pointed out several grievances, including the persistent underrepresentation of Igbos in Nigeria’s political structure, the neglect of critical infrastructure in the Southeast, and discriminatory policies such as the quota system that disadvantages Igbo citizens.
Additionally, the permanent closure of the Calabar seaport and the lack of functional international airports in the region were cited as evidence of the federal government’s neglect.
Ohanaeze reiterated its long-standing demands, first articulated during the 1999 Justice Oputa-led Human Rights Violation Commission.
The group is calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to acknowledge historical injustices by issuing a public apology on behalf of past military regimes, particularly that of General Yakubu Gowon, whose administration oversaw the devastating Nigeria-Biafra War.
They also demand reparations of 10 trillion naira to compensate for the massive human and infrastructural losses suffered by the Igbo people.
Ndigbo
Despite the historical grievances, Ohanaeze emphasized the Igbo spirit of forgiveness, stating that they have extended their pardon to General Babangida and other actors involved in past injustices.
However, they urged President Tinubu to seize this moment to foster genuine reconciliation and unity by addressing the lingering wounds of the past.
According to Ohanaeze, true national healing can only occur when historical injustices are acknowledged, and steps are taken to ensure equity for all ethnic groups in Nigeria.
The group remains hopeful that Babangida’s revelation will pave the way for long-overdue restorative justice and national cohesion.
UNICEF Supports Establishment Of Family Court In Kebbi
UNICEF supports establishment of family court in Kebbi. The United Nations Children’s Fund on Tuesday announced that it will support the establishment of a family court in Kebbi to expedite justice at the grassroots level.
The United Nations Children’s Fund on Tuesday announced that it will support the establishment of a family court in Kebbi to expedite justice at the grassroots level.
Michael Juma, UNICEF’s chief field officer in Sokoto, disclosed this at the End of the Year Review Meeting 2025 held in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.
The meeting was organised by UNICEF in collaboration with the Kebbi Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
The chief field officer assured that he had discussed with the Kebbi Commissioner for Justice the necessary steps to follow in establishing a court responsible for issues related to children.
“On the establishment of a family court, of course, yes, I have talked to the Commissioner of Justice on this, and I have said that it’s something the UNICEF will support. Because this is what the UNICEF is supporting globally, because it is a way to ensure quick justice at the rural levels,” he stated.
Speaking about the availability of adequate data on children, Mr Juma observed that correct information about the child population would enable the government and teachers to have accurate figures for planning, especially for adequate budgeting of their needs.
The chief field officer commended the Kebbi House of Assembly for passing the Child Protection Bill, stating that such a move would lead to the release of some children from detention. He added that it would also lessen the rigorous trials being faced by children and assist them in being reintegrated into the larger society.
Mr Juma lauded the state government for releasing the N500 million counterpart fund for nutrition, while declaring the readiness of UNICEF to continue collaborating with the state on poverty surveys, social protection, and nutrition interventions.
Commenting on the issue of out-of-school children and the cholera outbreak, the chief field officer stressed the urgent need for all stakeholders to collaborate towards eradicating the menace.
UNICEF
He advocated for a roadmap on the WASH programme to ensure that other local government areas join Arewa and Mayama LGAs in the fight against open defecation across the state.
The executive chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board, Kebbi, Suleiman Khalid, cautioned various organisations at the meeting to be careful when implementing policies that might conflict with the culture, religion, and traditions of the people.
He stated that the menace of the out-of-school children and Almajiris was mainly caused by social-cultural and religious factors.
Mr Khalid decried how children and youths were migrating from villages to the urban centres in the name of seeking Islamic knowledge or in search of livelihoods.
Obasanjo, Jonathan, Others Grace Reuben Abati’s Book Launch On 60th Birthday
Obasanjo, Jonathan, others grace Reuben Abati’s book launch on 60th birthday. Reuben Abati, the ace journalist and ex-special adviser on media to former President Goodluck Jonathan, has marked his 60th birthday with the launch of three books.
The book launch, held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Lagos, brought together bigwigs across Nigeria’s political and traditional landscape.
The three books are ‘How a Goodluck Jonathan Became President’, ‘Portraits: People, Politics, and Society’, and ‘A Love Letter and Other Stories’.
Mathew Kukah, Catholic bishop of the Sokoto diocese, delivered the keynote speech at the event.
Speaking at the ceremony, former President Olisegun Obasanjo praised @abati1990 for upholding the virtues of life and standing for the truth.
Recalling his 30-year relationship with the TV host, Obasanjo expressed his delight “for finding a son in Abati”.
The former president urged the Abati to pursue success as the completion of his progress.
“I am happy that in my lifetime, I have found a son in Reuben Abati, who has matured, who has progressed, and is on the path of success,” Obasanjo said.
Dele Momodu, publisher of Ovation magazine; Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III, Alake of Egbaland; Maiden Alex-Ibru, the publisher of Guardian Newspapers; Nduka Obaigbena, founding chairman and editor-in-chief of ThisDay Media Group and AriseTV; and Mohammed Bello Adoke, the former attorney-general of the federation, were present at the ceremony.
Reuben Abati
Other dignitaries include Alex Otti, governor of Abia state; Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, 2023 Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos; Simon Kolawole, founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of Cable Media and Publishing Limited, and actress Shaffy Bello.
Louis Odion, the ace journalist, delivered the review of the three books, while Ayo Arowosegbe gave the publisher’s remarks.
Osimhen Set New Record Beats Haalan, Mbappe, Kane
Osimhen Set New Record Beats Haalan, Mbappe, Kane. VICTOR OSIMHEN BEATS ERLING HAALAND, KYLIAN MBAPPE AND HARRY KANE TO IT
With his 3 goals against Ajax in the UEFA Champions League, Victor Osimhen now has 3 Player Of The Match (POTM) awards in a row. No other player has achieved such this season in the champions league.
Victor Osimhen has more goals and better goals ratio per minute (6 in 225mins) this season in the champions league than Erling Haaland(5 in 343mins) , Kylian Mbappe(5 in 351mins) and Harry Kane(5 in 311mins).
Victor Osimhen is the first player to score a hat trick for Galatasaray since Burak Yılmaz against CFR Cluj in 2012.
Victor Osimhen is the leading goal scorer in the UEFA Champions League this season, one more than Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane.
Osimhen Set New Record
Victor Osimhen is one of the three players to have scored a hat trick this season in the champions league. Others are Kylian Mbappe and Firmin Lopez.
Victor Osimhen is the second Nigerian to score a hat trick in the UEFA Champions league, behind Yakubu Aiyegbeni who scored for Maccabi Haifa in a 3–0 win over Olympiacos on September 24, 2002.
Victor Osimhen is unrivalled
-
Crime7 months agoKogi Assembly Considers Law To Regulate Rent, Establish Control Board: Tenancy Law
-
Akwa Ibom10 months agoThe Apostolic Church Gets New Territorial Chairman, Exco
-
Akwa Ibom10 months agoUmo Eno Commences Payment Of 80,000 Naira Minimum Wage With Arrears
-
News10 months agoThe Apostolic Church Gets New National President, Executive
-
News8 months agoAtiku Reveals Why He Failed To Pick Wike As Running Mate In 2023
-
News9 months agoSenator Natasha Returns To Senate With Husband Amid Seat Dispute
-
Economy7 months agoKiyosaki: Is Tinubu’s Government Afraid Of Ibrahim Traore?
-
Politics10 months agoPresident Trump Changes Divorce Law, No 50% Property Shares