Ohaneze Ndigbo Urges South East Not To Participate In Protests Over Economic Hardship

In the wake of nationwide rising living costs and economic distress, Ohaneze Ndigbo has urged people in the South East geopolitical zone not to join in the pockets of protests taking place in other zones, but rather to re-energize their potential to survive in any situation.

The group explained that the striking serenity and resolute silence in Igbo land amidst the prevalent anger and protests in the North and South West have astounded many, including the president and the North, and that the solution to the situation does not simply require protestation.

In a press statement issued on Sunday by its Secretary General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the preeminent Igbo socio-cultural organisation said, “Ohaneze Ndigbo commends the denizens of the Old Eastern region, particularly the South East, for their exceptional acumen and sagacity in abstaining from spearheading protests against President Tinubu and the Federal Government amid economic hardships.”

“Since the inception of the Buhari regime in 2015 to the current Tinubu administration, the South East East has borne the brunt of governmental neglect and discrimination. Whether it be the Center’s exclusions, the wanton demolition of Igbo properties in Lagos without federal intervention, the systematic burning of Igbo markets in the South West, minimal federal ministerial appointments, or the unjust incarceration of Nnamdi Kanu juxtaposed with the favored treatment of figures like Sowore and Igboho, the injustices meted out to the Southeast are glaring”.

“As protests surge in Niger, Kano, Lagos, Osun, and Abuja, the absence of casualties or protester killings resulting from security intervention starkly contrasts with the haunting memories of Southeastern lives lost during past protests against Kanu’s detainment and the tragic Obigbo (Oyibo) Massacre in Rivers State”, the document stated.

“Ohaneze Ndigbo stands in awe of the South East populace for their undaunted bravery and rare insight in weathering the storm. “From the Buhari regime’s inception in 2015 to the current Tinubu administration, the South East East has suffered from government neglect and discrimination.

“Moreover, instead of issuing hollow threats to disillusioned citizens, the government should heed the voices of reason and implement the recommendations of the 2014 Constitutional Conference to quell the mounting dissent and rebellion”.

“The East stands firm like an unyielding rock amidst the turbulent national waters. U