The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has cautioned South-East states against participating in the planned nationwide protests scheduled for August 1-10, 2024.
The protests, organised by various groups, aim to express frustration over escalating living costs and hardships faced by Nigerians.
The Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, in a released statement on Tuesday, explained the organisation’s stance citing historical incidents where Igbo people have suffered disproportionately in the aftermath of major protests and riots.
He highlighted several past events, including 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, where Igbos reportedly faced significant losses of life and property.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo provided multiple reasons for their advisory against participation including security challenges in the Southeast region making safe protest conduct impossible, among others.
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.