By Chuks Eke—
Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, lead counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB), has urged maintenance of the current level of relative peace in Igboland, stating that restoring peace is both a triumph and a responsibility.
He said that this relative peace places a solemn duty on all leaders and citizens alike – to guard, preserve, and strengthen it. He added that with unity of purpose and adherence to the rule of law, this peace will not only endure but flourish for generations, and prayed for God’s continued guidance and preservation of Alaigbo.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, titled “The Return of Calm in Alaigbo: A Triumph to Cherish, Not a Licence to Relapse,” Ejiofor noted that it is now evident that the South-East region has, to a commendable extent, regained a climate of relative peace and civil order.
According to him, “This development reflects the intrinsic values of the Igbo nation – values deeply rooted in enterprise, communal harmony, resilience, and respect for the sanctity of life and lawful coexistence.”
“This peace, once disrupted by forces aiming to destabilize the region, often aided by misguided individuals and unscrupulous authorities who benefit from chaos, has been painstakingly reclaimed through the deliberate and principled efforts of critical stakeholders.”
He commended the efforts of the Global Peaceful Restoration initiative and the current leadership of the State Security Service, praising their professionalism, civility, restraint, and apolitical engagement.
Ejiofor contrasted the current approach with past practices, which he described as resembling an ethnic war against the region, characterized by arbitrary arrests and “enforced disappearances.” He expressed cautious optimism that decency has returned.
“Today, Igbo youths, women, and citizens across all strata are freely engaging in lawful pursuits, associating openly, and exercising their constitutional rights without the pervasive fear that once defined a troubling era,” he stated.
“This transformation is the product of deliberate policy recalibration and humane security governance, demonstrating that the previous chaos was manufactured by those who profited from suffering.”
However, Ejiofor cautioned against complacency, warning that individuals and interests may attempt to reintroduce instability. He emphasized the need for vigilance, proactive measures, and unwavering commitment to preserving the fragile peace.
“The lessons of history must not be forgotten,” he said. “We must not relapse into an era of fear and uncertainty. This peace must be consciously nurtured, strategically protected, and collectively sustained as the foundation for socio-economic advancement and generational prosperity, especially now that Alaigbo is reclaiming its lost glory.”
“Peace is not merely the absence of conflict; it is the presence of justice, equity, and purposeful governance. Having attained it, we must institutionalize it.”
