The Igbo Leaders of Thought (ILT), a respected coalition of Igbo statesmen, intellectuals, and political thinkers, has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently embrace restructuring, emphasizing that a confederation remains the most viable path for Nigeria’s unity, peace, and long-term development.
Following a full-scale meeting in Enugu, ILT—through its president, Prof. Elochukwu Amucheazi, and secretary, Prof. J.C. Chukwuokolo—issued a statement asserting that Nigeria’s survival depends on bold structural reforms. They emphasized that a confederation offers the most realistic framework for addressing the country’s deep-rooted challenges.
The group cautioned President Tinubu against listening to advisers who oppose inclusive national development, stressing that he must respond to growing demands for change across the country.
“The sooner the president addresses the long-standing call for restructuring, the better for the nation,” ILT declared.
“We firmly believe that a confederation is the most appropriate and necessary structure for Nigeria’s future.”
In the statement, ILT raised several urgent concerns requiring presidential attention:
Insecurity
The group decried the rising violence in states such as Benue, Kebbi, Plateau, Imo, and Niger, labelling the killings as genocidal. They called on the president to initiate a full-scale intervention to end what they described as a humanitarian crisis.
Detention of Nnamdi Kanu
ILT demanded the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who has been in custody for over four years. The group argued that Kanu’s agitation was less disruptive compared to activities by groups such as Miyetti Allah and certain Yoruba youth organizations.
Marginalization in Federal Agencies
They criticized the removal and redeployment of Igbo directors from key federal bodies like INEC and JAMB, attributing it to recent electoral and academic performance issues. ILT called for the dismissal of JAMB’s Executive Secretary and a thorough investigation into the matter.
Demolition of Igbo Properties in Lagos
Expressing concern over what they described as politically motivated destruction of Igbo-owned properties in Lagos, the group urged President Tinubu to put an end to the practice to safeguard national unity and mutual respect among ethnic groups.
Political Crisis in Rivers State
ILT opposed what it termed the “illegal” declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, urging the president to respect the authority of the elected governor and handle political tensions through lawful and democratic means.
Boko Haram and the Chibok Girls
The group reminded the president of the unresolved kidnapping of the Chibok schoolgirls—many of whom remain missing more than a decade later. ILT alleged high-level complicity in the ongoing activities of Boko Haram and called for decisive government action to dismantle the terrorist network.
ILT also called for an urgent overhaul of Nigeria’s electoral laws, describing the current system as flawed, regressive, and a betrayal of the country’s democratic aspirations.
Formerly led by the late constitutional expert Prof. Ben Nwabueze, the ILT has consistently championed structural reforms to better reflect Nigeria’s ethnic and regional diversity and to protect marginalized groups.
“We do not believe President Tinubu harbours hatred toward the Igbo people,” the statement concluded.
“However, he must act swiftly and justly to build a truly inclusive and united Nigeria.”
