Amid the prevailing hardship in Nigeria, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo has advised Igbo youths against joining the nationwide protest targeted at the President Bola Tinubu-led federal government.
President-General of Ohanaeze, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has cautioned that Igbo youths often face arrest and serious charges when they partake in protests against the Nigerian government.
He expressed his concerns in Enugu, emphasizing the unfortunate economic crisis in Nigeria and announcing plans to convene a meeting of top Igbo economists and experts to strategize on overcoming the current hardships.
In his directive, Iwuanyanwu stated, “I am instructing that no Igbo group or community in Nigeria or the diaspora should engage in any protest against this government.”
He further added, “I am still assessing the situation, and I have inquired about the stance of those who reached out to me regarding the previous administration.”
“I have questioned their actions during the disenfranchisement of Igbo land in the past,” he continued.
Expressing the Igbo preference for a democratic government and aversion to military rule, he acknowledged the restiveness and sensitivity of youths globally and their inclination to express their concerns about their future. He noted that Igbo youths, like those from other tribes, have expressed dissatisfaction with events in the country at different times.
He highlighted the disparity in treatment, noting that when youths from other tribes engage in protests, they are reprimanded and forgiven, while Igbo youths face arrest, imprisonment, and serious charges.
He cited the situation with the arrest and detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, asserting that it posed significant challenges for Igbos. Despite pleas from various Igbo entities for Kanu’s release, their efforts were unsuccessful.