NDIGBO Takes Firm Stand On Proposed Nationwide Protests

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NDIGBO Social Cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 took a firm stand on the proposed mass protests in Nigeria slated to begin on August 1, 2024

The apex Igbo group have decided not to join in the upcoming proposed nationwide protests scheduled from August 1st-10th, 2024, to protest against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to express frustrations over the harsh economic conditions, rising prices of essential commodities, and petroleum products.

In a statement in Abakaliki, the Secretary General of the Chidi Ibeh-led faction of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, said that Igbo will not be used again, citing that Igbo and the Southeast have been used as sacrificial lambs in previous riots, Southeast insecurity, and the non-release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, from custody as reasons.

He noted that previous riots have resulted in immense losses of Igbo lives and properties.

He stressed that what matters most to the Southeast is the release of Kanu, not participating in the nationwide protests, adding that Ohanaeze fully supports the Southeast governors in ensuring adequate security measures are in place during the protest period. He, therefore, urged Igbo in the region to continue with their daily businesses in August 2024.

The statement read,

“As Nigerians prepare for nationwide protests against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to express their frustrations over the harsh economic conditions and rising prices of essential commodities and petroleum products, OHANAEZE NDIGBO, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, has taken a firm stance on the upcoming protests scheduled from August 1st-10th, 2024.”

“Drawing from the painful history of past riots and protests in Nigeria, such as the 17th April 1978 ALI MUST GO Protests, the 24th May 1989 ANTI-SAP RIOTS, the 1993 June 12 protests, the 2nd-14th January 2012 OCCUPY NIGERIA protests, and the 20th October 2020 END SARS protests, which resulted in immense losses of Igbo lives and properties, OHANAEZE NDIGBO highlights the fact that Igbos have often been used as sacrificial lambs in the course of these protests.”

“In the interest of protecting the lives and properties of Igbos across the country, OHANAEZE NDIGBO has made the decision to direct Igbos at home and in the diaspora to refrain from participating in the nationwide protests scheduled for August 1st-10th, 2024, for the following reasons.”

“Firstly, the security challenges in the Southeast region make it imprudent to allow any form of protest or riot to occur. Any attempt to enforce protests in the Southeast will only exacerbate the already precarious security situation in the region.”

“Extremists and criminals may take advantage of such protests to instigate violence, loot properties, and cause chaos. Therefore, it is not advisable for any protests to take place in the Southeast.”

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“Secondly, with the fear of Igbos being used as sacrificial lambs in the upcoming protests nationwide, OHANAEZE NDIGBO advises Igbo residents in the 19 Northern States and Southwest to boycott the protests for their own safety and security. Staying away from the protests is crucial to safeguarding their well-being.”

“Lastly, OHANAEZE NDIGBO emphasizes that the release of NNAMDI KANU is of utmost importance to the Southeast region. The organization believes that engaging in protests against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not bring about the desired outcome, but rather, the release of Nnamdi Kanu will demonstrate good faith on the part of the President towards the Igbo people.”

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo stresses that what matters most to the Southeast is the release of Nnamdi Kanu, not participating in the nationwide protests. The organization cautions non-Igbo individuals attempting to enforce the protests that the Southeast region will not partake in the demonstrations.”

“OHANAEZE NDIGBO fully supports the Southeast Governors in ensuring adequate security measures are in place during the protest period and urges Igbos in the region to continue with their daily businesses in August 2024.”

“Ultimately, OHANAEZE NDIGBO’s priority remains the safety and well-being of the Igbo people, and the organization believes that refraining from engaging in the protests is the best course of action to protect the interests of the Southeast region.”