Popular human rights activist and U.S.-based cleric, Fr. Joe Vicar, has weighed in on the recent revelations made by former Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), regarding the 1966 coup.
Joe Vicar, who is also the founder of the Igbo Ruo Ulo Nihunanya Development Union, expressed his views on the historical narrative that has long been used to marginalize the Igbos. He commended Babangida for publicly clarifying the true nature of the 1966 coup but noted that the damage done to the Igbo people by decades of misinformation remains significant.
IBB’s Revelations: Setting the Record Straight on the 1966 Coup
In his recently published book, A Journey in Service, Babangida took the bold step of addressing one of Nigeria’s most controversial historical events. He clarified that the January 15, 1966, coup was not an Igbo conspiracy, as widely believed, but rather a military intervention with officers from different ethnic backgrounds.
For decades, the narrative that the coup was an Igbo-led plot to dominate Nigeria has fueled resentment and systemic marginalization against the Igbos. Babangida’s statement challenges this long-held belief, acknowledging that many Igbos were victims of the coup rather than its orchestrators.
Reacting to this, Fr. Joe Vicar stated that while Babangida’s revelation is welcome, many historians and Igbo intellectuals had been saying the same thing for years. However, he lamented that those who harbor hatred toward the Igbos have deliberately refused to accept the truth.
“The damage has already been done,” he said, adding that the misinformation surrounding the coup has led to decades of discrimination. “Because of this falsehood, many Igbo subgroups have distanced themselves from their identity, fearing victimization.”
Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s Demand for ₦10 Trillion Compensation and Apology
The revelation by Babangida has reignited discussions on the historical injustices suffered by the Igbos, prompting Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, to demand ₦10 trillion in compensation from the Nigerian government.
Joe Vicar fully supports this demand, stating that it is a step in the right direction. However, he expressed concerns about whether the federal government would take it seriously.
“The problem is not making the demand—the problem is being heard,” he stated. “Whenever the Igbos demand justice, it is often ignored.”
To support his argument, he cited the October 1, 2023, appeal made by Igbo leaders and South-East governors for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Despite the united front displayed by the South-East leadership, the Nigerian government has yet to address their request.
Similarly, he recalled that in 2017, the ECOWAS Court ruled that the Nigerian government should compensate the Igbos with $244 million for losses suffered during the Civil War. However, the ruling has been ignored, further reinforcing the perception that the Igbos are treated as second-class citizens in Nigeria.
Are the Igbos Being Treated as Second-Class Citizens?
Fr. Joe Vicar questioned the apparent double standards in Nigeria when it comes to addressing the demands of different ethnic groups.
“If this were the Hausa-Fulani or Yoruba making these demands, the response would have been immediate,” he argued. “But when the Igbos speak, they are ignored. Are we second-class citizens in this country?”
He stressed that the government’s continued neglect of Igbo concerns is not just an issue of politics but a deliberate attempt to silence a group that has contributed immensely to Nigeria’s development.
Alternative to Street Protests: A Day of Mourning
In response to social media activist Verydarkman’s suggestion that Igbos should take to the streets in a peaceful demonstration, Joe Vicar disagreed. He warned that such a protest could easily be infiltrated by counter-protesters, leading to violence and giving the government an excuse to clamp down on the movement.
Instead, he proposed a Day of Mourning for fallen Igbo heroes, where every Igbo person would abstain from work, business, and public activities.
“This would be a powerful statement,” he explained. “If every Igbo across Nigeria and the diaspora stays home for a day, it will send a stronger message than street protests that can be hijacked.”
Key Compensation Demands for the Igbos
Fr. Joe Vicar outlined specific demands that he believes should be met to compensate for the historical injustices suffered by the Igbos:
- ₦10 Trillion Compensation: A monetary compensation to address decades of economic marginalization.
- Apology from the Federal Government: A formal acknowledgment of past wrongs and a commitment to reconciliation.
- A Deadline for Compensation: The government must provide a clear timeline for fulfilling its obligations.
- Release of Nnamdi Kanu and Other Political Prisoners: Many Igbos were arrested due to the struggle for self-determination, and they must be freed.
- No Political Engagement in Abuja Until Demands Are Met: South-East political leaders should refuse to participate in national politics until these issues are addressed.
- Unproscribing IPOB: The group should be removed from the terrorist list, as its formation was a response to historical grievances.
- Fair Economic Development: Adequate distribution of gas pipelines to major cities in Igbo land to boost industrialization.
- Establishment of a Seaport: The South-East must have a functional seaport to strengthen trade and commerce.
- An International Airport: The region needs better international connectivity to support business and tourism.
Conclusion
Fr. Joe Vicar emphasized that the Nigerian government must acknowledge its past mistakes and take concrete steps toward healing and national unity. He also called on bloggers and media influencers to stop profiling Igbos negatively, urging them to instead promote narratives that foster justice and fairness.
“It is time for Nigeria to do the right thing,” he concluded. “The truth is now out in the open, and the Igbos deserve the respect, justice, and compensation that has long been denied to them.”
