Calling for immediate action against those propagating anti-Igbo sentiment with the #IgboMustGo slogan across Nigeria, the Igbo apex socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, voiced their concerns on Monday.
The emergence of the anti-Igbo slur coincided with a nationwide hunger protest, which the South-East region opted not to participate in.
Both President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, strongly criticized the disturbing trend.
Speaking to NewsNow, the National Vice-President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, urged the authorities to apprehend the #IgboMustGo campaigners.
Expressing the organization’s stance, Okeke-Ogene emphasized the need for a proactive approach in addressing the divisive trend.
He stated, “Ohanaeze Ndigbo is committed to fostering unity and upholding the rule of law. The propagation of anti-Igbo sentiments is deeply concerning and must be dealt with decisively.”
Regarding the separatist Indigenous People of Biafra’s call for a referendum to enable the Igbo’s exit from Nigeria, Okeke-Ogene classified it as a reactive measure triggered by prevalent discriminatory attitudes.
“The authorities need to address the root cause of these tensions and curb any incendiary rhetoric that jeopardizes peace and harmony,” he added.
Meanwhile, in a separate statement, IPOB condemned the orchestrators of the #IgboMustGo movement in the southwest and demanded a referendum for the Igbo community to decide their fate within Nigeria.
Warning against any forced expulsion, IPOB asserted their readiness to peacefully depart if granted the opportunity through a democratic process.
Expressing skepticism towards governmental support, IPOB emphasized the need for impartial intervention to avert a potential crisis.
Amid escalating tensions, the group urged global human rights organizations and international bodies to acknowledge and address the existential threats facing the Igbo community.
Highlighting the escalating ethnic tensions and discrimination, IPOB urged for urgent international attention to prevent further deterioration of the situation.