An elder stateman, Major General R.U Ihekire (Rtd), has urges Ndigbo to resist any attempt to lure South-East region into the ongoing protest.
In a press conference in Owerri, Ikekire stated that Ndigbo are not favourably disposed to the planned protest, and all efforts to drag them into it, is totally unacceptable. Not even by fabricated violence in Alaigbo.
During the press briefing, the Igbo Chieftain urged Ndigbo not to participate in the ongoing hunger protests, adding that the timing of the protests coincides with an alarming surge in violence in the South-East where gunmen have unleashed mayhem in recent days to falsely show lack of peace in the region.
Speaking further Ihekire said , it is not in the character of Ndigbo to kill their kith and kin to drive home their grievances and anger.
“The recent chaos and killings in the South East, particularly in Imo state as witnessed in the past few days is condemnable. The Igbo man values the sanctity of human lives, especially family. It is not in the character of Ndigbo to kill their kith and kin to drive home their grievances and anger. It is totally illogical for an Igbo man to kill members of his family in order to demonstrate his anger with another family. It is not in the nature associated with the Igbo tribe.”
“The barring of luxury buses entering the South West or other regions is condemnable and a failed scope to lure Ndị Igbo into the protest. It is a demonic desperation to make believe that Ndigbo are responsible for a protest that they have let the world know that they have no Interest in and have clearly washed their hands off it.
“The timing of these protests also coincides with an alarming surge in violence in the South East, where unknown gunmen have unleashed a wave of terror in recent days to falsely show lack of peace in the South East Zone. These attacks have resulted in the loss of innocent lives, destruction of property, and have created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty in the region. Just this past week, several reports highlighted the brutal killings and abductions carried out by these unidentified assailants. Communities have been left devastated, with many wondering when this nightmare will end.
“The South East has become a hotbed of violence, which the authorities should do all it can to contain. Amidst this chaos, joining in nationwide protests could further complicate the situation, potentially inviting even more violence and destruction to our already embattled communities. It is important to recognize that the recent attacks by unknown gunmen have not only destabilized the region but have also provided a pretext for increased military presence and operations, which in themselves have led to more suffering for the ordinary people.
“In the same vein, the spike of incidents of men in arms terrorising Imo state, shooting and killing, in the past few days is disheartening and inflicts excruciating pains in the heart of the populace.
“Our hearts bleed in Imo State to witness the killing of law abiding citizens going about their businesse and for those fending for their daily bread, having to run into their untimely end.
“May God grant peace and healing to all the grieving families during this difficult time as I pray that the souls of the security agents who in the line of duty and the innocent citizens who lost their lives rest in peace. Amen.”
Also, Major General Ihekire stated that Nigeria is a civil society and people should have the right to stay off or participate in any protest without the fear of being killed.
“Nigeria is a civil society, and people can choose to stay off or participate in a protest, and to take to killing people in a peaceful zone is condemnable.
“I call for justice and accountability for these senseless acts of violence and expedited action on paying compensation to the affected families. No one should have to live in the fear of such atrocities happening again.
“As the protests are supposed to kick-start today, August 1st and terminate on the 10th of August, 2024 – Nigeria is bracing itself for what could be a turbulent period.
“The reasons behind these protests are as varied as the people organizing them, but they generally stem from dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of economic issues and insecurity, and perceived injustices across the country. While the right to protest is enshrined in democratic principles, it is imperative that certain realities are not ignored – especially when it comes to the involvement of Ndigbo.
“Ndigbo, like every other group in Nigeria, have their grievances. They have faced and continue to face numerous challenges in the political and economic landscape of this country. However, it is crucial that we, as Ndigbo carefully consider the implications of any form of involvement in these upcoming protests.
“It is also important to state clearly that Ndigbo are not interested in these protests and have unequivocally indicated so in a myriad of ways and channels. Our interests and focus as a people are in a restructured Nigeria where there is fairness, justice, equity, and peace – where no one is oppressed. The vision of a Nigeria that truly works for all its citizens is where our collective efforts are channeled. Participating in protests that might endanger lives or escalate tensions is not a priority for us.
“First and foremost, it is no secret that Nigeria is a nation with deep-seated ethnic divisions. These divisions have been exploited time and again by politicians and other opportunists to serve their interests, which is usually to blame Ndigbo for anything that catches their fancy to justify violence against Ndigbo.
He however, condemned the threats by some ethnic bigots who have been warning Igbos to stay away from the hunger protests, noting that the logic of the warning defies reason because various Igbo leaders and Igbo groups have already made it clear that Ndigbo will not take part in any protest against President Tinubu’s administration.
“In recent days, there has been a disturbing trend of tribal bigots issuing threats against Ndigbo, warning them to stay away from the protests or face dire consequences. The logic of this warning defies reason because this is despite the very loud and clear messages by various Igbo leaders and Igbo organizations that Ndigbo will not take in any protest against President Tinubu’s government. This is not just absurd – it is dangerous and reminiscent of a history we must never forget.
“These threats are a stark reminder of the dark days of the 1960s when a similar rhetoric led to an unimaginable massacre of people of defunct Eastern Region in Northern Nigeria. The unfortunate reality is that some elements in this country see every national issue through an ethnic lens. For them, the protests are not just about addressing national problems but also an opportunity to keep ablaze animosities that have continued to define Nigeria since Independence. It is in this context that we must tread with extreme caution.”
“Participating in these protests, especially in areas where such ethnic tensions are high, could easily make our people targets of violence. We have seen it before, during times of crisis, when the Igbo community, regardless of their neutrality in events, bore the brunt of unjustified aggression. We must not let history repeat itself.
“The reality is that, with the current situation in the South East, any large-scale protest could easily be hijacked by those with malicious intent, turning it into a bloodbath. This is not the time to expose our people to additional risks. Instead, our priority should be to ensure the safety and security of our communities and to work towards bringing an end to the violence that has plagued our region.
“Participating in these protests under the current circumstances would not only expose us to the dangers posed by ethnic bigots elsewhere but also increase the risk of violence in our own backyard. It is a double-edged sword that we must avoid at all costs.
“NdIgbo have always been a resilient and enterprising people. Our focus should be on building our homeland, strengthening our economic base, and ensuring that our voices are heard in the corridors of power through constructive and strategic engagement.
“This does not mean that we turn a blind eye to the issues facing the country, but rather that we approach them with wisdom and a clear understanding of the risks involved.
“We must also speak out against the tribal bigots who are attempting to use the planned protests as a platform to sow discord and target our people. Their threats are an affront not just to Ndịgbo, but to Nigeria as a whole. It is unacceptable for any group to be singled out and threatened in this manner, and it is the duty of the government to ensure the safety of all Nigerians, regardless of their ethnic background.
“In the coming days, as the protests unfold, it will be crucial for the Igbo leadership – traditional, political, and religious – to provide clear guidance to our people. We must ensure that we do not become pawns in a game where the rules are stacked against us.
“The stakes are too high, and the consequences of missteps could be dire.
“As we maneuver through this challenging period, let us remember the words of our ancestors: “Igwe bụ ike.” Our strength lies in our unity; and our ability to see beyond the immediate and focus on the long-term well-being of our people. It is important that every igbo leader and organization should fall in line and not disrupt this focus.
“Finally, while the planned protests may be rooted in legitimate grievances, it is vital that Ndịgbo approach them with caution. We must avoid becoming entangled in a conflict that could put our communities at risk. Instead, let us continue to engage constructively in the national discourse, ensuring that our voices are heard in ways that build rather than destroy.
“Above all, let us reject the absurd and dangerous rhetoric of those who seek to divide us and focus on securing a peaceful and prosperous future for our people.”
