Igbo Will Not Join Protest Against Tinubu

Eko Hot Blog reports that the Ohanaeze Ndigbo has announced that Igbos and the entire southeast region will not participate in any protest against the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement released on Tuesday by its Secretary General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the group highlighted past instances where Igbos have been victimized during similar protests, suffering significant losses in lives and properties.

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Isiguzoro emphasized the deep-rooted injustices faced by the Igbo community and stated that they will not subject themselves to the same fate again.

The statement also cited the prevailing security situation in the southeast as a major deterrent to participating in the planned protests. There is a legitimate concern that Igbos could once again be seen as sacrificial lambs during the nationwide protests scheduled from August 1st to 10th, aimed at expressing frustrations over the escalating costs of living and hardships faced by Nigerians.

Isiguzoro urged all Igbos to shun the planned protests and instead focus on discussions with the federal government 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.