Economic hardship: No Igbo group will join protest against Tinubu’s government, says Ohanaeze

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Igbo socio-cultural organisation, has directed groups in the region not to protest against the administration of Bola Tinubu. 

Food prices have been soaring since the president announced an end to the petrol subsidy regime on May 29, 2023.

On Monday, some residents of Ibadan, Oyo state, protested the economic hardship.

Residents of Kano, Ogun, Niger and Sokoto states have earlier staged protests over the economic crisis in Nigeria.

Organised labour has also announced a nationwide protest for February 27 and 28 over the rising cost of living.

Speaking on Monday, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, president-general of Ohanaeze, said he received entreaties requesting him to call Nigerians from the zone to join in the demonstration across the country.

“As your leader, I am directing that no Igbo group or community in Nigeria or in the diaspora should join any protest against this government,” Iwuanyanwu said.

“I am still studying the situation and I have asked those who made entreaties to me to tell me what their position was prior to the current administration.

“I have asked what they did when Igbo land was disenfranchised in the past.”

Iwuanyawu described the current economic crisis in Nigeria as unfortunate.

He, however,  assured that he would convene a meeting of top Igbo economists and experts to strategise on how to overcome the hardships.

He said the economists and experts would offer advice to Tinubu on the economy.

“Igbos are opposed to military rule and prefer a democratic government where we can express our views,” he said.

“Youths all over the world are very restive and sensitive to issues affecting their future. In Nigeria, Igbo youths and youths from other tribes at various times have expressed their dissatisfaction with events in the country.

“It is clear to us that when youths from other tribes of the country are involved, they are reprimanded and forgiven; but when Igbo youths get involved they are arrested, incarcerated and even charged for serious offences.

“For example, the arrest and detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu generated a lot of problems for Igbos.

“Many Igbos, including governors, law-makers, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and business leaders pleaded for the release of Mazi Kanu without success.”

Iwuanyanwu also alleged that many Igbo youths are in correctional centres over flimsy reasons.

“Most of the Igbo are in the south-east and the region is sadly marginalised in all ramifications as it is the only geopolitical zone that has only five states,” he said.

“This situation has cost us billions in financial losses. It has also cost us losses in political appointments and legislative representations.

“In 2005 and 2014, we raised these issues at various political conferences.

“All men of goodwill at the conferences agreed that it was unfair for the Southeast to have only five states.

“They recommended that an additional state be created in the south-east, but up till today, this has not been done.”