The apex Igbo sociocultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has declared that the seven Igbo-speaking states will not take part in the planned nationwide protest scheduled for June 12, Democracy Day.
In a statement obtained by The Guardian in Abakaliki, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the National Deputy President of a faction of Ohanaeze, clarified that the decision is not about shirking civic duties, but a strategic move to protect the lives and properties of Igbos, especially given past experiences during national demonstrations.
“This decision is not a withdrawal from civic responsibility, but rather a strategic response aimed at safeguarding Igbo lives and properties across Nigeria, particularly within the Southeast region,” Isiguzoro explained.
He stressed that history has shown that Igbo communities often suffer disproportionately during such protests, adding that unless the federal government addresses longstanding grievances specific to the region, participation in national demonstrations is off the table.
“We proclaim that the Igbo people will refrain from participating in these protests, and assert that no gatherings will be permitted across the seven Igbo-speaking states until the fundamental issues concerning the Igbo are addressed adequately by the Nigerian government,” the statement read.
According to Isiguzoro, even if protests are permitted across the Southeast, the region’s fragile security environment makes it unwise to proceed.
“Moreover, the prevailing insecurity in the Southeast renders any form of protest imprudently hazardous.”
“It is crucial to emphasize that the Igbo nation shall not participate in any national protests until our pressing demands are duly recognized and acted upon.”
He cited decades of marginalization and betrayal during previous protests as key factors behind the decision.
“Our historical involvement in national protests has left us with bitter memories marred by betrayal and violence, and over the last 65 years since Nigeria’s independence, evidence has shown that during previous protests against government actions, Igbos have been unjustly demonized and treated as scapegoats, resulting in tragic consequences,” the statement noted.
Among the key demands Ohanaeze is making is the release of detained Igbo activists, particularly the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
“Most critically, the immediate release of all Igbo prisoners of conscience unjustly detained in various prisons, and notable among those is Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, along with others,” Isiguzoro stated.
He also condemned what he described as the federal government’s double standards in handling justice.
“The federal government has demonstrated selective justice by dismissing felony charges against certain individuals while our own brothers remain imprisoned without just cause. This double standard cannot continue.”
Ohanaeze further warned that the president should not mistake the Igbo’s refusal to join the protests as indifference or fear.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo feels compelled to convey a sobering truth to Mr. President not to misinterpret our non-involvement in national protests as a sign of weakness.”
“We recognize the precarious state of democracy in Nigeria, and while June 12 serves as a reminder of our collective struggle for democratic governance, the Igbo remain resolute in the face of adversity.”
