EndBadGovernance Protest: IPOB Lawyer Says Deputy Speaker Kalu Is Not For Ndigbo.

Ifeanyi Ejiofor, a legal practitioner and lead counsel for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has urged politicians to look beyond their own interests and work to combat ethnic profiling.

According to him, the viral video of Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu urging Igbos not to participate in the protests against Nigeria’s high cost of living was motivated by personal interests.

In a statement, Ejiofor stated that Igbo people across Nigeria have historically been victims of violence during times of crisis or protest, often at the hands of fellow citizens and even Nigerian security forces who are supposed to protect them.

He said, “In a recent viral video, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, stated, “Igbos Should Sit-At-Home And Not Join The #EndBadGovernanceProtest Because They Will Be Slaughtered If They Participate.”

“My Thoughts: I find this statement by a prominent Igbo political figure deeply concerning, as it appears to encourage Igbos to waive their constitutionally guaranteed rights. If Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu had advised Igbos not to participate in the #EndBadGovernanceProtest for any reason other than fear of being slaughtered, I would not have criticised him as harshly, and neither would many others who think critically.

“For those of us who analyse such statements, the implications of this reckless remark highlight the precarious status of Igbos in Nigeria, which is now seemingly acknowledged and cowardly reinforced by their political leaders – individuals who should be fighting the longstanding injustices against their people.

“Historically, Igbos in Nigeria have been victims of violence during times of crisis or protest, frequently at the hands of fellow citizens and even Nigerian security forces who are supposed to protect them.

“It is alarming that our innocent mothers, sisters, and brothers are routinely abducted across southeastern states and then whisked away under the guise of hunting for criminals, with no significant public outcry, and our political leaders remain silent or pretend ignorance of this brazen violation of Igbo rights.

“I have consistently argued that security forces are aware of the locations and identities of the criminals causing havoc in our communities and should be able to identify and apprehend them. Instead, they target vulnerable people solely based on tribal identification, resulting in forced disappearances.

“Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who is from Abia State, should have firsthand knowledge of the hundreds of innocent Biafrans kidnapped during military operations in the state and who are still being kidnapped as of tomorrow. This is a critical time for him to speak out against such acts and advocate for the release of those who were wrongfully arrested during the exercise and are still being held in unknown locations.

“I cannot, under any circumstances, support or condone the violent criminals who are terrorising our country, kidnapping Biafrans, and murdering Biafrans/security personnel. This constitutes a serious crime against humanity and must be condemned. However, it is critical to ensure that innocent people are not prosecuted for crimes they did not commit.

“While Igbos are not immune to the economic hardship that is currently afflicting the entire country, the South East region has been under criminal and security siege for the past three years, which has likely contributed to their reluctance to participate in the #EndBadGovernmentProtest.

“The idea that they would be slaughtered for exercising their constitutional right to protest is a tragic reality. However, for such a statement to come from someone who should be leading the fight against these injustices/scourges is, at the very least, deeply unacceptable.

“Adding to the alarming situation, a recent tweet from the Lagospedia Twitter handle on July 27, 2024, has heightened tensions. The tweet announced a massive protest, #IgboMustGo, from August 20 to 30, 2024, urging Igbos to leave the southwestern states and relocate their businesses. It also urged Yorubas living in the south east to return home. Such statements only deepen the divide and continue the cycle of violence and discrimination against the Igbo people.

“This call for expulsion is not only an attack on the Igbos, but also a serious security threat to the lives and property of all Igbos throughout the country. It emphasises the critical need for our political leaders to treat these issues with the seriousness and commitment they require.

“The continued marginalisation and endangerment of the Igbo people in Nigeria’s political landscape is a grave injustice that must be addressed immediately.

“Our leaders must rise above narrow interests and work to address ethnic profiling.

“The consistent promotion of ethnic baiting against Igbos must end, and the time is now!”