The Igbo elders also demanded an immediate halt to unlawful arrests, detentions, and extrajudicial killings, as well as an end to economic blockades and port restrictions against Eastern Nigeria.
They emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in governance and an end to secret and night arrests.
In their statement, “New Governance Model for Nigeria”, the United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) outlines a five-point agenda for achieving meaningful peace and development in Nigeria.
According to the group, this agenda was developed after extensive consultations and careful analysis of various proposals addressing the country’s current challenges.
UNIEC emphasizes that restructuring, regionalism, and referendum are essential templates for achieving peace and stability in Nigeria.
The statement highlights the contrast between the period leading up to 2015, when there were no insurgencies or wars threatening the Federal Government or advocating for Biafra, and the present day.
UNIEC asserts that the current crisis was manufactured by a tyrannical force that has perpetuated violence, issuing “shoot-to-kill” or “shoot-at-sight” orders against innocent young people, thereby punishing the Igbo people for perceived transgressions.
Nigeria is advocating for a restructuring approach that balances single nationality regions with multi-ethnic nationality regions, with the specific number in each category determined through competitive regional considerations.
The statement emphasizes that no matter how well-crafted an economic policy or blueprint may be, it will only achieve marginal success within a neocolonial framework unless it is built on a solid political economy foundation.
This foundation is essential for supporting the superstructure and achieving meaningful progress.
