Ahead of the June 12 Democracy Day celebrations, a faction of the apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has pleaded with President Bola Tinubu to grant amnesty to 1,335 repentant nonviolent pro-Biafra agitators.

The group noted that Tinubu will not only be heralded as a hero of Nigeria’s democracy, but he will also etch his legacy in gold as the President who courageously addressed the Biafra agitation and resolved essential issues concerning the Igbo people.

In a statement yesterday in Abakaliki, the National Deputy President of the faction, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, noted that the amnesty becomes necessary so that those who have been misled into violent tactics under the guise of Biafra agitation will find compelling reasons to reconsider their choices and lay down their arms.

He noted that the Federal Government’s sincere initiative will inspire confidence in its commitment to using balanced approaches, both incentives and non-kinetic methods, to resolve the multifaceted issues surrounding Biafra agitation in Nigeria.

Isiguzoro noted that Ohanaeze’s plea was prompted by the momentous decision of these 1,335 repentant, nonviolent pro-Biafra agitators from various groups, none of whom have been proscribed or banned by any governmental authority at any level, pleading with the President to accept them.

He further stated that for the first time, under any Federal Government, be it military or civilian, and since the end of the Biafra War 55 years ago, there has been a coalition of repentant nonviolent pro-Biafra groups willing to engage in constructive dialogue with the Federal Government.

The statement reads: “In a significant and historic move, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze feels compelled, in the spirit of democracy and national unity, to urgently communicate a momentous message to President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government of Nigeria.

“This communication is prompted by the momentous decision of 1,335 repentant, nonviolent pro-Biafra agitators from various groups, none of whom have been proscribed or banned by any governmental authority at any level, and after careful deliberation and reflection on the vital importance of dialogue and peace, these groups have resolved to pursue constructive engagement with the Federal Government.

“If specific issues are satisfactorily addressed, they are prepared to surrender and unequivocally pledge their allegiance to the Federal Government, expressing their unwavering support for Tinubu’s administration as part of the commemorative activities marking the 2025 June 12 Democracy Day celebrations.”

The group said that it has taken the organisation 16 months of unwavering dedication, marked by intense advocacy, persuasive engagements, and the conscientious advice of Igbo leadership alongside credible international humanitarian organisations, to persuade these repentant agitators to seek dialogue with the Federal Government.