Amidst the national #EndBadGovernance protest seeking government intervention in the rising food prices, all the South-East states decided to take a different approach.
While physical gatherings were scarce in the region, there was a unique form of protest adopted by the South-Easterners.
Prior to the protest, Igbo leaders and groups strongly advised against participation.
Notably, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, a prominent Igbo socio-political organization, released statements urging Igbos to refrain from joining the protest.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu, also encouraged the Igbo community to boycott the protest, citing potential risks of being targeted unfairly.
In response to these calls, the South-East region notably abstained from participating in the first three days of the protest, a trend that continued.
Reports from NewsNow correspondents highlighted the absence of protests in the South-East.
In contrast, in other parts of the country like Lagos and Abuja, Igbo traders noticeably abstained from joining the protest, choosing not to engage in the demonstrations demanding action from President Bola Tinubu.
Interestingly, a different form of protest emerged in several South-Eastern locations.
Despite the tense national atmosphere leading to reduced activities, the youth in the region creatively expressed their discontent.
For instance, youths formed street football teams and played soccer, while others opted for social gatherings at beer parlors, enjoying food and drinks as their unique form of protest.
In various conversations with NewsNow, the protesters explained their unconventional approach, emphasizing their commitment to peaceful dissent.
Meanwhile, local leaders like Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, and Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, commended the South East for their decision to abstain from the protests.
They highlighted the importance of constructive engagement with government policies and emphasized the merits of patience and collaboration.
Furthermore, voices from the Igbo community expressed their support for the current administration and underscored their desire for continued progress under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.
Notably, the absence of protests in Anambra State was attributed to Governor Soludo’s strategic empowerment initiatives that engaged the youth and diverted their focus from potential demonstrations.