South-East Not Joining Nationwide Protest Due to Targeting of Igbo Youths – Ohanaeze Insists

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the leading socio-cultural organization for the Igbo people, has reiterated its stance urging South-Easterners to abstain from the upcoming nationwide protest. The organization cited concerns over the targeting of Igbo youths by Nigerian security forces as the primary reason for their recommendation.

In a statement released on Monday, National Publicity Secretary Alex Ogbonnia emphasized that the ongoing hardship in Nigeria is a direct consequence of systemic discrimination against the Igbo, referred to as “Igbophobia.”

The statement read: “This is an unavoidable outcome of orchestrated injustice, marginalization, callous conspiracies, corporate shenanigans, and ethnic bigotry against the Igbo.”

Ohanaeze highlighted that peace, progress, and national development are unattainable under a government policy that perpetuates injustice toward a significant ethnic group like the Igbo.

The organization referenced directives from its President General, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, issued on February 20, 2024, advising Igbo people to refrain from participating in protests against President Bola Tinubu. Iwuanyanwu pointed out the unequal treatment meted out to Igbo youths compared to their counterparts from other ethnic groups during past demonstrations.

The statement cited historical instances, such as the arrest and detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, which exacerbated tensions and highlighted the disparities in treatment.

Furthermore, Ohanaeze Ndigbo underscored that Nigeria’s progress is hampered by the exclusion of the Igbo from national affairs, as echoed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo during an event on March 25, 2023. Obasanjo condemned the persistent marginalization of the Igbo and called for their full inclusion to ensure the country’s development.

Ohanaeze concluded by urging the Igbo community to avoid the protest, questioning whether the exclusion of Igbo from key national appointments under President Muhammadu Buhari improved Nigeria’s security situation, and asserting that resilience in tough times is paramount.