The South East Youths Stakeholders Forum (SEYSF) has called on the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government to issue a formal national apology to the Igbo people over the long-standing mischaracterization of the January 15, 1966 coup as an “Igbo Coup.”
In a statement signed by the group’s chairman, Mazi (Dr.) Ezenwa A. A. Onyirimba, and made available to DAILY GAZETTE on Monday, the forum condemned this historical distortion, which it says has fueled hatred, persecution, and systemic marginalization of Ndi Igbo in Nigeria.
“For over five decades, Ndi Igbo have suffered untold hardship due to the deliberate and misleading branding of the 1966 coup as an ethnic conspiracy. This distortion of history led to retaliatory massacres, claiming the lives of thousands and culminating in the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970). Even after the war, the scars of political, economic, and social exclusion have persisted, hindering the progress of Ndi Igbo in national affairs.”
The group pointed out that new historical evidence, as revealed in the book “Journey to Service by IBB,” confirms that the coup was not driven by ethnic interests but was a military intervention involving officers from multiple regions.
Despite this revelation, the misrepresentation of the 1966 coup remains widespread, contributing to the continued discrimination against the Igbo in politics, governance, and security appointments.
In the spirit of justice, reconciliation, and national unity, the South East Youths Stakeholders Forum is making the following demands;
“Formal national apology from the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government for falsely accusing the Igbo of orchestrating the 1966 coup for tribal domination.”
“Recognition and justice for the innocent Ndi Igbo killed in the pogroms of 1966 and beyond, including proper acknowledgment of their sacrifices. ”
“An end to the continued marginalization of Ndi Igbo in national leadership, security agencies, and economic opportunities to promote national cohesion.”
The stereotyping of Ndi Igbo as “coup plotters” has long been used as a tool of division, undermining Nigeria’s unity.
The forum insists that for the nation to move forward, historical truths must be acknowledged, and corrective measures be implemented.
“We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian Army, and all relevant authorities to take urgent steps toward healing this historical injustice. The South East Youths Stakeholders Forum remains committed to the pursuit of truth, justice, and the full integration of Ndi Igbo into the Nigerian project. Only through acknowledgment and restitution can Nigeria achieve genuine unity and progress.”
