Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), yesterday, regretted President Bola Tinubu’s recent reversal of dialogue with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).      
 
The group, in its independence anniversary statement, lamented that the change was a glaring act of political opportunism, where Tinubu, who had previously pledged to engage IPOB in dialogue to address their legitimate grievances, now contradicts his earlier commitment.
 
HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, recalled that during a town hall meeting in Owerri on November 17, 2022, Tinubu had assured Igbo leaders that he would adopt dialogue to resolve legitimate grievances of IPOB and other aggrieved parties. 
 
The President, he said, emphasised the non-negotiable unity of Nigeria, while acknowledging the existence of “painful grievances” that required resolution through peaceful means.
 
Onwubiko said: “Tinubu’s recent remarks at the passing-out parade of Nigerian Defence Academy Cadets, in Kaduna, revealed a stark departure from his previous stance.  
 
“He declared his administration’s commitment to tackling secessionist elements and counter-insurgency efforts without mentioning dialogue or peaceful resolution. This inconsistency raises serious questions about his credibility and integrity as a leader.
 
“What is more concerning was that this U-turn came at a time the Federal Government is in clear breach of a binding Court of Appeal judgment.
   
“On October 13, 2022, the Court of Appeal, in Abuja, upheld the appeal of the detained leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, stating that the Federal Government had violated both local and international laws by forcefully rending Kanu to Nigeria. The court voided and set aside the terrorism charges against him, rendering them incompetent and unlawful.”   

Consequently, HURIWA demanded that Tinubu provide a clear and unambiguous explanation for his change of position on the issue of dialogue with IPOB, highlighting that the Nigerian people deserved transparency and honesty from their leaders, especially on matters as sensitive as national unity and justice. 

MEANWHILE, the Chidi Ibeh-led faction of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, yesterday, pleaded with the President to grant pardon to the detained IPOB leader and Pan Yoruba activist, Sunday Igboho, saying that their release will end the disintegration threats.
   
In a statement in Abakaliki, the Secretary General of the Ohanaeze faction, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, noted that the detention of Kanu by the Federal Government has been a source of tension and controversy, adding that many Nigerians are questioning the government’s actions.