No Protest in South-East, Ohanaeze Affirms
Ben Nworie
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has affirmed that there would be no protests in the Southeast, as they have entrusted Igbo youths with directives to thwart any attempts to incite unrest within the region.
However, the body has called on the Federal Government to protect Igbo residents in the North and southwest states over apprehension that they might be attacked for boycotting the proposed national protest.
In a statement issued by the Secretary General of the organization, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the body called on the Minister of State for Defence, Hon. Bello Matawalle, and the Office of the National Security Adviser, to intensify efforts in protecting Igbo residents in the North and Southwest from any form of harassment or intimidation.
“We affirm that there will be no protests in the Southeast, as we entrust Igbo youths with directives to thwart any attempts to incite unrest within the region, the body stressed.
Ohanaeze noted that they had previously called upon Igbo residents in the Northern and Southwestern states to abstain from participating in the forthcoming protests, aligning with our core principles of peace and advocating for calm amidst turbulent times.
According to the Secretary General: “the current unrest plaguing Nigeria has instilled a sense of unease among the populace, with reports indicating a significant number of Nigerian politicians fleeing the country for shelter overseas. The abrupt exodus of top government officials, political elites, and prominent business figures has triggered widespread apprehension, particularly among the Igbo residents in the North and Southwest states”.
“Therefore, we urge the Presidency, through the Minister of State for Defence, Hon. Bello Matawalle, and the Office of the National Security Adviser, to intensify efforts in protecting Igbo residents in the North and Southwest from any form of harassment or intimidation. Importantly, we affirm that there will be no protests in the Southeast, as we entrust Igbo youths with directives to thwart any attempts to incite unrest within the region”.
“In response to these concerning developments, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, is proud to extend its appreciation to the Minister of State for Defence, Hon. Bello Matawalle, and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for their unwavering dedication in curbing the politically motivated nationwide protests set to commence from August 1st to 10th, 2024”
“Ohanaeze had previously called upon Igbo residents in the Northern and Southwestern states to abstain from participating in the forthcoming protests, aligning with our core principles of peace and advocating for calm amidst turbulent times”.
Ohanaeze further implored the proponents of the August 1st to 10th, 2024 protests to explore avenues for dialogue with President Tinubu to address their grievances peacefully and amicably, without resorting to violence or causing casualties.
Isiguzoro noted “we are cognizant of the presence of foreign mercenaries in league with unpatriotic elements, scheming to incite chaos in Nigeria and using the Igbo people as pawns in their destructive pursuits. However, the collective decision of Igbo residents to distance themselves from the protests has left the instigators perturbed, prompting concerns that they may resort to inciting violence against the Igbo populace in a bid to provoke their involvement”.
Ohanaeze reiterated that Ndigbo uphold the values of peace, unity, and non-violence, demonstrating our unwavering resolve to foster a harmonious and prosperous nation.
