The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has announced that residents of South-East states, predominantly Igbo, will not participate in the nationwide protests scheduled for August 1 to 10, 2024.
The protests organized by various groups and concerned Nigerians, aim to demand an immediate end to the growing hardships faced by the populace.
Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, clarified the organisation’s position in a statement issued on Tuesday, citing historical instances where Igbo people had suffered disproportionately during major protests and riots.
Reflecting on past events such as 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, the statement emphasized that Igbo communities have often faced significant losses of life and property.
“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 provided multiple reasons for their advisory against participation, including the prevailing security challenges in the Southeast region, which they argue make safe protest conduct impossible.
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 emphasized the need for Igbo residents in northern states and the Southwest to boycott the protests to ensure 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.