The Ohanaeze Ndigbo organization has advised Igbo youths to reconsider participating in the proposed nationwide protest against the government led by Bola Tinubu. The caution comes amidst widespread hardship experienced by Nigerians across the country.
Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the President-General of Ohanaeze, expressed concerns over the potential repercussions faced by Igbo youths who engage in protests against the Nigerian government. He highlighted the pattern of arrests and serious charges levelled against such protesters.
Speaking in Enugu, Iwuanyanwu also lamented about the current economic challenges facing Nigeria, deeming them unfortunate. He announced plans to convene a meeting of prominent Igbo economists and experts to devise strategies for overcoming these hardships.
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“As your leader, I am directing that no Igbo group or community in Nigeria or the diaspora should join any protest against this government.
“I am still studying the situation, and I have asked those who made entreaties to me to tell me what their position was before the current administration.
“I have asked what they did when Igbo land was disenfranchised in the past,’’ he said.
“Igbos are opposed to military rule and prefer a democratic government where we can express our views.
“Youths all over the world are very restive and sensitive to issues affecting their future. In Nigeria, Igbo youths and youths from other tribes have expressed their dissatisfaction with events in the country at various times.
“It is clear to us that when youths from other tribes of the country are involved, they are reprimanded and forgiven, but when Igbo youths get involved, they are arrested, incarcerated, and even charged for serious offences.
“For example, the arrest and detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu generated a lot of problems for Igbos.
“Many Igbos, including governors, lawmakers, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and business leaders, pleaded for the release of Mazi Kanu without success,” Ohanaeze lamented.
