society
Hardship: Igbo Elders Reveal Why Igbo shunned nationwide protest
Hardship: Igbo Elders Reveal Why Igbo shunned nationwide protest
It is no longer news that Igbo, especially in the five Southeast states, did not participate in the End Bad Governance protest that started in other parts of the country on August 1.
However, why the Igbo shunned the protest and the implications for the country are raising issues in the polity.
Across other parts of the country, angry protesters stormed the streets and for more than five days vented their spleen against what they described as bad Governance, hunger and hardship in the country. The protest became riotous in the North as hoodlums looted shops, and business centres among others. Many states declared curfews to contain the mayhem.
But there was pin-drop silence in the South-East leading many to ask if the zone and Igbo are insulated from the prevailing economic downturn in the country.
Ameh fingers inequity, injustice
Speaking on the issue, Chief Peter Ameh, former Presidential candidate and national secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties, CUPP, said the “absence of equity, justice and fairness is the reason for the political apathy by Igbo in the Nigerian project.”
According to him, “constant and unjust scapegoating of the Igbo ethnic group in Nigeria is the major reason why Igbo abstained from the nationwide protests.”
He continued: “Failure to implement General Yakubu Gowon’s Reconstruction, Reconciliation and Rehabilitation programme is a catalyst for growing lack of commitment by all persons of Igbo extraction within and outside Nigeria in many programmes of the government.”
Chief Ameh also attributed Igbo boycott of the protest to “marginalisation of Igbo in strategic economic and administrative positions under the APC governments, and acts of tribal exclusion mixed with political bigotry.”
He continued: “The main reason why the entire Southeast geopolitical zone of Nigeria was unanimous in their decision not to participate in the ongoing #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest across the country is primarily as a result of the easy targeting of lives and property of Igbo whenever there is an uprising or protests in Nigeria.
“Being the only tribe in Nigeria that could be found and visibly seen in the remotest parts of the country, Igbo are always at the receiving end of the consequences of any activity carried out either by the Nigerian government or the public.
A typical example is seen in the 2023 general elections where the Igbo were violently attacked and threatened because they decided to vote for a particular candidate of their choice.
“I may be inclined to justify the decision of Ndigbo to distance themselves from the ongoing protest based on the way and manner they are being treated in Nigeria regarding their engagements in the affairs of the Nation especially under the APC governments.
“Just like other marginalised ethnic nationalities in Nigeria, Igbo remain an integral part and the economic backbone of the Nigerian Nation. The earlier they are fully accepted and given a sense of belonging in the affairs of this Nation, the better and more productive the country will become.
Implications of the boycott
“The entire South-East boycotting protests can have long-term implications and consequences. Boycotting protests can marginalize the voices of those who are already vulnerable or excluded, making it harder for them to be heard and potential for further division between South easterners and their regional allies in Nigeria.
“Boycotting protests can create divisions within them and other regions of the country, potentially leading to further conflict and distrust between them and other ethnic communities of the Nation.
“The region may be further marginalized if they are not actively participating in such national protests, potentially leading to increased exclusion from decision-making processes.
“By ? boycotting the End Bad Governance protests in Nigeria, they may have missed the opportunity to build alliances and negotiate with other sub-national regions that could bring about meaningful future collaboration.
“The boycott may be perceived as a lack of commitment to the plight of others and may be viewed as an act of insensitivity toward others which may further widen the trust deficit in the country.”
Why our people shunned protest —Igbo Elders
Some Igbo Elders shared Chief Ameh’s thoughts.
According to Prof. Obasi Igwe, the Director, Media and Publicity, at the United Igbo Elders Council, UNIEC, Worldwide, the Igbo declared a lack of interest in the protests not because they didn’t know there was bad governance but because the same souls were badly governed have never condemned the isolation of mostly Igbo, and some Middle Belters and Hausa, for slaughter and annihilation.
The Igbo shunned the #EndBadGovernance nationwide protest based essentially on the differential attitude to human rights that the organizers have shown towards the Igbo/East in particular, and other Nigerians as well.
“The Igbo also feel, with experience, that the people who are angry that they did not participate in the protest may turn round halfway to claim it was the Igbo that caused the bad governance protests, with the usual consequences on the Igbo people.
“Easterners, in general, must establish the seriousness of anything before deciding on it, because they desire the salvation of everybody on a common civilizational principle, not ad hoc coalitions to forge ahead against one side today and another tomorrow, ending up with no substantive beneficial change.”
Prof. Igwe also stated that Igbo were suspicious of the whole arrangement of the protest, saying: “You are protesting against your oppressors, and you have time to negotiate with the same oppressors on how you talk, where to talk, how, where and when to assemble, and other such pretences as discussing how to present your case to a starving and dying populace with the same people responsible for your ordeals! And, you will be presenting your case, the “protests,” in concealed corners where you would only be talking to yourselves while “life” or “bad governance” goes on outside the walls, and, you are protesting!”
Added to that according to Prof. Igwe, is “You start looting the shops and markets of those you wish to join you. That was why the Igbo refused to participate, without this being any form of acquiescence to bad governance, of which, by the way, the Igbo have all along been the worst targets in Nigeria.”
He also said Ndigbo did not only shun the protest but they equally opened their markets and demanded unconditional release and rehabilitation of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and others.
“Also, the Igbo shunned the #EndBadGovernance nationwide protest because of the loud silence, signalling acquiescence, of some of its organizers to the extremely targeted injustices against the Igbo/East and, for the last nine years, orchestrated killings, with countless evidence of official involvement or connivance, with no sympathy from anywhere.
“Right now, even before the August 1 date the protest started, the Ndigbo were already being threatened, attacked and molested in Lagos with no word of condemnation by those said to be fighting against bad governance.
“Nevertheless, the Igbo population, being the major victims, understand the Nigerian situation very well, and know what can be done to address it, starting with ending the unparalleled oppression of Easterners.”
NAWOJ: SEKINAT, CHARITY GETS VOTE OF CONFIDENCE
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists,(NAWOJ), Ogun State Chapter Executives has unanimously passed a vote of confidence on Chairman NAWOJ SEKINAT Salam and the Financial Secretary, Charity James, saying that, their leadership reflect the ideal and objectives of NAWOJ.
This was revealed in a communique issued at an Emergency meeting of the Executive held at the NUJ State Council, Iwe-Iroyin in Abeokuta.
The vote of confidence on the Leadership of NAWOJ was unanimously signed by all the five executive members that attended the meeting with the vice chairperson taking apology for official engagement outside the state capital.
According to the communique ” Consequently, NAWOJ Ogun State Chapter, reaffirms it’s unwavering support and confidence in the Chairperson and the Financial Secretary, Sekinat Salam and Charity James respectively, Urge them to continue in their commitment to purposeful leadership in the best interest of the association and the society at large”.
Speaking briefly with Journalists after the emergency Executive meeting, the Chairperson, Nigeria Association of Woman Journalists (NAWOJ), Com. Sekinat Salam, said the meeting was necessary as the news of her suspension was laughable and insulting because it is like a pot calling a kettle black in this case, saying that the Leadership of the State Council, Com. Wale Olanrewaju has no local standing to suspend her or any executive member, even he cannot be a judge in his own case.
According to her” The Leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State led by Wale Olanrewaju has always been misusing power without recourse to the constitution of this noble Union, hence has no local standing to suspend me or any executive member “.
She said only the Central Working Committee (CWC) has the constitutional rights to sanction or suspend any members found wanting after due process has been followed.
While calling on members to stay calm, Com. Sekinat Salam assured members of positive representation of NAWOJ at both the State and National level, adding the success recorded under her administration cannot be overemphasized.
She therefore called on the National leadership of NUJ to critically look into the matter, either by setting up independent committee to investigate the issues and resolve the matter as quickly as possible.
Adron Homes Chairman Congratulates Oyo State on 50 Years of Progress
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Adron Homes and Properties Limited, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, has congratulated the Government and people of Oyo State as the state marks its 50th anniversary, describing the occasion as a celebration of resilience, cultural pride, and sustained progress.
He noted that since its creation, Oyo State has remained a strong contributor to Nigeria’s socio-economic and cultural development, emerging as a hub of commerce, education, and innovation.
According to him, the Golden Jubilee offers a moment for reflection and renewed commitment by government, private sector players, traditional institutions, and citizens toward building a more inclusive and prosperous state.
Aare Emmanuelking commended the state’s ongoing transformation through investments in infrastructure, economic expansion, and human capital development, adding that sustainable growth is deliberate and must remain purpose-driven.
He also praised the leadership of the current administration while acknowledging the contributions of past leaders whose efforts laid the foundation for today’s Oyo State.
Reaffirming Adron Homes’ commitment to national development, he described Oyo State as a land of opportunity. He wished the state continued peace and prosperity, expressing confidence that the next fifty years will bring even greater achievements for the Pace Setter State and its people.
TY BURATAI HUMANITY CARE FOUNDATION CONDOLES WITH BIU EMIRATE OVER TRAGIC ATTACK
In a profound expression of sorrow, the TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation has extended its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the entire people of Biu Emirate, Borno State, following the recent tragic attack attributed to Boko Haram. This devastating assault, which occurred at a work site in northeastern Nigeria, claimed the lives of dozens, including brave soldiers committed to protecting the nation.
In a statement released to the press and signed by the Chairman of the foundation, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, the Grand Patron of the Foundation, His Excellency Amb. Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai CFR (Rtd), former Chief of Army Staff, described the incident as “one too many senseless, barbaric, and ruthless displays of inhumanity.” His Excellency emphasized the heartbreaking impact of such attacks on innocent, hardworking citizens striving to make a positive difference in their communities.
The Grand Patron praised the swift and decisive response of military personnel during this critical time, underscoring their brave commitment to safeguarding the nation. He called upon them to maintain this momentum, commending their courage and sacrifice in the face of adversity. “May Almighty Allah forgive their souls and grant them Aljannah Firdouse,” he remarked, encouraging the nation to honor their spirit of sacrifice as they rally together to rebuild and restore hope across the region.
In his statement, Gen. Buratai highlighted the importance of collective action in overcoming the challenges posed by insecurity, urging concerned citizens to increase their efforts in fostering a virile community that future generations can cherish. “Together, we can surmount these troubles,” he asserted, calling on all patriotic leaders and citizens to unite in the fight against violence and insecurity.
The TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote peace, security, unity, and prosperity. As the foundation extends its condolences to the bereaved, it also calls upon all segments of society to collaborate in creating a better and safer future. May Allah guide and protect the nation and lead it toward enduring peace. Amen.
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