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Hardship: Igbo Elders Reveal Why Igbo shunned nationwide protest 

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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.”

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Eminent Lawyer: Prophet Israel Oladele Ogundipe ‘Genesis’ Applauds Barr. Oluwapelumi Jacob Olajengbesi’s Outstanding Legal Prowess

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Eminent Lawyer: Prophet Israel Oladele Ogundipe ‘Genesis’ Applauds Barr. Oluwapelumi Jacob Olajengbesi’s Outstanding Legal Prowess
… Opens a Multimillion Naira Abuja Chamber

It is essential to illustrate, without resorting to sensationalism or witch-hunts, the intimate and cordial relationship between celebrated World Televangelist Prophet Israel Oladele Ogundipe, fondly referred to as Genesis, and a proactive, renewed Abuja-based lawyer and human rights activist, Oluwapelumi Jacob Olajengbesi

 

 

Evidently, this positions everyone to believe any assertion Prophet Oladele makes about Olajengbesi. As the well-known Lagos prophet briefed the media in Lagos, he spoke about what attracted him to the Abuja-based lawyer and human rights activist.

 

 

He further expressed that his passion for championing the cause of the less privileged and the oppressed is what truly captivates and inspires his unwavering love.

 

According to Prophet Israel Oladele Ogundipe, Barrister Pelumi Olajengbesi earns his enduring respect and admiration for prioritizing the plight of the oppressed, despite being born into affluent circumstances with humble beginnings.

 

 

Olajengbesi reportedly embarked on studying law at a prestigious university, driven by his desire to challenge oppressors and individuals who wield significant power in the country, believing themselves to be above challenge.

 

 

In addition, Prophet Genesis extols the virtues of the esteemed Barrister Olajengbesi, who views himself as an advocate for the voiceless populace and a crusader for the authentic liberation of the people.

 

In addition to his praise, Prophet Genesis values his love for God and humanity, and also extended congratulations to Barrister Pelumi Olajengbesi, co-founder of Law Corridor, a law firm based in Abuja, on the launch of his new multi-millionaira chambers

He concluded by saying a heartfelt prayer that Barrister Pelumi will continue to grow and have a greater impact in Jesus’ name.

Oluwaseun Fabiyi a seasoned journalist writes from Lagos.

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You are a precious gem to me; Prophet Genesis marks Kemi King’s birthday with inspiring tributes and admiration

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You are a precious gem to me; Prophet Genesis marks Kemi King’s birthday with inspiring tributes and admiration.

 

Prophet Israel Genesis, a prominent televangelist, honors Kemi King, a woman of exceptional beauty and substance, on her birthday

I would also like to extend my admiration for her as an active and illustrious daughter of mine, an exceptional individual whose influence will forever be treasured in my life, exceeding the worth of diamonds, gold, and oil wells. I am deeply indebted to her for her unwavering commitment to supporting countless people around the world and myself

Your birthday provides an outstanding opportunity to acknowledge God’s kindness in your life and honor the wonderful gift that you are to many of us

Kemi Kemo the King, whom I fondly address as such, you embody a unique blend of sisterly love and angelic compassion, making you a precious gift to humanity, and as we celebrate your birthday, I express my heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering dedication to your family and community

On this wonderful day, at the same time, a dedicated black and shining pretty woman was born, she remains a trailblazer, an humble and spiritually nourished, a woman who can handle matters with wisdom, a woman who can let go even when provoked, a woman with quoted and unquoted vibes

As you mark another year of existence, I rejoice with you and express my heartfelt wishes for a bright and prosperous future. May the divine blessings of good health, happiness, and smooth realization of your aspirations be bestowed upon you, and may your labor yield rich dividends without obstacles

Please accept my heartfelt birthday greetings, my charming angel. I wish you continued success, happiness, and fulfillment in all aspects of your life. And many happy returns of the day

Oluwaseun Fabiyi a seasoned journalist writes from Lagos

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OTUNBA WASIU JAIYEOLA BAGS TASUED’S DOCTORATE DEGREE

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OTUNBA WASIU JAIYEOLA BAGS TASUED’S DOCTORATE DEGREE

 

In recognition of his impactful contributions to clothing and textile industry in Ogun state in particular and Nigeria in general, the Governing Council of Tai Solarin University of Education, ijagun is set to honour the Founder of Wessy Creations, Otunba Jaiyeola Wasiu, with the Doctor of Science, D.sc Ed (Honoris causa) in Textile and Clothing.

The letter of conferment of the award dated September 30, 2024 with reference number TASUED/REG.122/VOL.1/006 and signed by the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Oluwole Banjo, indicated that: “The Award is in recognition of your passion for education, and numerous contributions to the advancement of human race in general.”

The letter reads further: “The University takes special recognition of your numerous professional achievements and community services, including your exemplary leadership roles in our Nation as an elder statesman whose modest achievements and accomplishments represent the idea of integrity and selflessness, which our University stand for.
“The University joins well-meaning Nigerians in celebrating your humble, worthy, and outstanding legacies in the service of humanity.
“We also congratulate you and your family on your many notable achievements in life”.

The conferment ceremony is slated for Thursday, 28th November, 2024 at the School Auditorium in Ijagun, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

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