Ohanaeze urges South East to reject planned nationwide protests

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has cautioned South-East states against participating in the planned nationwide protests scheduled for August 1-10, 2024.

The protests, organised by various groups, aim to express frustration over escalating living costs and hardships faced by Nigerians.

The Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, in a released statement on Tuesday, explained the organisation’s stance citing historical incidents where Igbo people have suffered disproportionately in the aftermath of major protests and riots.

“Reflecting on the poignant history of the Igbo people in Nigeria, particularly in the aftermath of significant riots and protests… It is evident that Igbos have often been unfairly treated as sacrificial lambs amidst the turmoil,” Isiguzoro stated.

The organisation highlighted several past events, including the 1978 “ALI MUST GO” protests, the 1989 anti-SAP riots, the 1993 June 12 protests, the 2012 Occupy Nigeria protests, and the 2020 END SARS protests, where Igbos reportedly faced significant losses of life and property.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo provided multiple reasons for their advisory against participation including security challenges in the Southeast region making safe protest conduct impossible, among others.

The statement said, “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 safety and security.”

The statement further urged Igbo residents in northern states and the Southwest to boycott the protests for their safety.

“Demonstrating restraint and prudence by avoiding involvement in the protests is imperative to safeguard their well-being during this period,” Isiguzoro emphasized.

Furthermore, Ohanaeze Ndigbo stressed that the primary focus for the Southeast region should be the release of Nnamdi Kanu, rather than engaging in nationwide protests.