Apex lgbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigb has disclosed that Biafra agitators are ready to dialogue with the federal government on the way forward.

In a statement on Tuesday by Ohanaeze’s factional Deputy President General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the apex body noted that the dialogue has the potential to usher in monumental changes, including the release of all prisoners of conscience, notably Nnamdi Kanu, the reopening of the Eastern Economic Corridor, and an unequivocal end to violence disguised as agitation.

“It is our earnest hope that those misled into cycles of violence and armed struggle will choose to abandon their hostile actions, paving the way for a peaceful and prosperous Southeast.

“In a significant and historic turning point for the geopolitics of Nigeria, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex sociocultural organisation representing the Igbo people, formally acknowledges the courageous decision of the Nonviolent Pro-Biafra Agitators to extend a hand of peace towards the Federal Government of Nigeria.

“Following twelve years of relentless diplomatic pressure from the international community and numerous United Nations-affiliated peace groups, urging these advocates for self-determination to embrace peaceful negotiations, this moment is both profound and transformative.”

Ohanaeze proclaimed that the acceptance by the non-violent Pro-Biafra agitators to offer a dove of peace and a hand of friendship to the federal government was a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s historical timeline.

Isiguzoro said, “this forthcoming dialogue is anticipated to mirror the earlier discussions held at Aburi, Ghana, now reborn as the ‘Abuja Accord’.

“This initiative aims explicitly to address and resolve the long-standing grievances that have birthed the Biafra agitation since the cessation of hostilities in the Nigerian Civil War in 1970.

“The non-violent Pro-Biafra agitators have extended an olive branch to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, inviting the federal government to engage in a constructive dialogue over the nagging ‘Igbo Question’.”

He said the dialogue sought to confront the unresolved issues stemming from the unimplemented policies of reconciliation, reconstruction, and rehabilitation envisioned by General Yakubu Gowon following the war.

Leader of the national ruling party in South South geopolitical zone in Nigeria, Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has assured that APC will surely capture the remaining three states governed by the opposition, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Governor Otu emphasized that Cross River, which for years stood as the lone APC-governed state in the South-South, now proudly shares the progressive banner with Delta and Edo States.

Recall that yesterday the Vice President Shettima Kashim, national chairman of APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, and Gov Otu formally received Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, into the APC family.

The three states ruled by PDP presently include Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Rivers State, although now under emergency rule of a sole administrator for six months following suspension of Governor Sim Fubara.

Otu, who spoke on his return to Calabar, the Cross River capital, said: “An increasing number of South-South states under APC governance is a dream realized.”

Governor Otu noted that when the other three states are finally captured, it will set the stage for deeper regional collaboration, accelerated economic development, and greater political stability.

Otu, who is also the Vice Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum, urged Governor Oborevwori, other political stalwarts, and their supporters who have now joined the APC to bring their wealth of experience and grassroots mobilization strength to bear in advancing the collective quest for a flourishing South-South and a renewed Nigeria.

Governor Otu assured that together in APC, “the six states shall chart a new course of greatness for the region and our nation.”

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has approved the appointment of 168 political aides in a bid to strengthen the machinery of government and enhance service delivery across the state.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the Governor’s Media Adviser, Mukhtar Gidado, explained that the appointments cover various roles, including Principal Special Assistants, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, and Personal Assistants.

According to the breakdown, five individuals were appointed as Principal Special Assistants on Political and Community Relations, with one designated for Pension Matters.

The list also includes one Senior Special Assistant on Labour Matters, 60 Special Assistants on Political and Community Relations, and 63 Personal Assistants in the same category.

Gidado stated that the move is part of the administration’s broader efforts to promote inclusion and reflect the diverse interests and aspirations of Bauchi residents.

He noted that most of the appointees are experienced former political officeholders at various levels, selected based on merit, political background, and leadership ability.

Governor Mohammed congratulated the new aides urging them to approach their duties with dedication, loyalty, and a commitment to people-oriented governance.

He expressed confidence that the appointments would help consolidate on existing achievements and drive sustainable development in the state.