The Ohanaeze Ndigbo has declared that Igbos and the entire southeast region would not join any protest against the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
The group, in a statement on Tuesday by its Secretary General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, said the Igbos have been made sacrificial lambs in similar past protests and would therefore not make themselves available to suffer the same fate again.
He said the Ndigbos have lost lives and properties in previous protests, “highlighting the deep-rooted injustices and miscarriages of justice suffered by the Igbo community.”
The statement, made available to Naturenex, added that the prevailing security situation in the southeast does not allow for protest, and the fear of Igbos once again being perceived as sacrificial lambs in the forthcoming Nationwide protests is a legitimate concern
Isiguzoro therefore called on all Igbos to shun the planned protests billed for August 1st to 10th against President Tinubu to express the frustrations over the escalating costs of living and the unbearable hardships faced by Nigerians.
Instead of participating in the protest, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo said it is focused on discussions with the federal government on how to secure the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
The group reiterated its commitment to ensuring peace returns and prevails in the southeast region.
The full statement reads: “In light of the current nationwide calls for protests against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to express the frustrations over the escalating costs of living and the unbearable hardships faced by Nigerians due to continuous increases in essential commodities and petroleum product prices, OHANAEZE NDIGBO, the esteemed apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, has adopted a firm stance regarding the impending Nationwide Protests scheduled from August 1st-10th, 2024.
“Reflecting on the poignant history of the Igbo people in Nigeria, particularly in the aftermath of significant riots and protests, such as the 17th April 1978 ALI MUST GO Protests, the 24th May 1989 ANTI-SAP RIOTS against the regime of Gen Babangida, the 1993 June 12 protests, the 2nd-14th January 2012 OCCUPY NIGERIA protests, and the 20th October 2020 END SARS protests, it is evident that Igbos have often been unfairly treated as sacrificial lambs amidst the turmoil. The tragic results of these events have seen immense losses of Igbo lives and properties, highlighting the deep-rooted injustices and miscarriages of justice suffered by the Igbo community.
“Given the harrowing experiences of the past, and with a steadfast commitment to safeguarding the lives and properties of Igbos throughout the country, OHANAEZE NDIGBO has instructed Igbos both at home and in the diaspora to abstain from participating in the Nationwide Protests set to commence from August 1st-10th, 2024, for the following crucial reasons:
“First and foremost, the prevailing security challenges in the Southeast region pose insurmountable obstacles to the safe conduct of protests and riots. In recognition of this reality, any Nationwide Protest scheduled within the Southeast is hereby revoked, with a clear directive that Igbos will not partake. Enforcing such protests risks exacerbating the existing security dilemmas in the Southeast, creating opportunities for criminal elements and external Igbo detractors to exploit the situation and instigate further chaos. Thus, it is in the best interest of all concerned parties to refrain from organizing any protests within the region.
“Secondly, the fear of Igbos once again being perceived as sacrificial lambs in the forthcoming Nationwide protests is a legitimate concern. In this regard, OHANAEZE NDIGBO calls upon Igbo residents in the 19 Northern States and Southwest regions to boycott the looming protests for their own safety and security. Demonstrating restraint and prudence by avoiding involvement in the protests is imperative to safeguard their well-being during this period. It is urged that business activities remain suspended in these regions as a precautionary measure.
“In closing, OHANAEZE NDIGBO Secretary-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, iterates that the foremost priority for the Southeast region is the release of NNAMDI KANU, underscoring the organization’s unwavering commitment to this cause over engaging in Nationwide Protests. Emphasizing that Ndigbo will not partake in any protests aimed at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, OHANAEZE NDIGBO seeks to convey a clear message to President Tinubu in an anticipation of a reciprocation of his goodwill towards the Igbo people, particularly in the form of Nnamdi Kanu’s release,which is of paramount importance.
“OHANAEZE NDIGBO extends a stern warning to non-Igbo enforcers of the Nationwide Protests, making it unequivocally clear that the Southeast will not be partaking in the upcoming demonstrations. The organization pledges its full support to the Southeast Governors in ensuring robust security arrangements throughout the protest timeline, urging Igbos in the region to resume their regular business activities during August 2024. In conclusion, OHANAEZE NDIGBO reiterates its commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of the Igbo people, advocating peace and prudence as the optimal means to safeguard the interests of the Southeast region.”
