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Contrary to expectations, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo has extended an olive branch to President Bola Tinubu, asserting that he is not opposed to the Ndigbo people’s interests.
This unexpected move has led to the Southeast states’ decision to opt out of the nationwide hunger protests, leaving many to wonder about the underlying factors driving this change.
The declaration was made in a press statement released on Thursday by Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Secretary-General of a faction of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and distributed to media outlets.
This official statement has shed light on the organization’s stance regarding President Tinubu’s relationship with the Ndigbo people.
By boycotting the protests, the people of the Southeast aim to send a strong message to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to heed the calls of leaders and citizens alike to release Nnamdi Kanu from detention, according to Ohanaeze.
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“We, the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, wish to express our profound gratitude to all Igbos at home and in the diaspora for their unwavering commitment to the decision to boycott the nationwide protests.
“The Southeast region has shown remarkable unity and resilience in standing against external pressures and manipulations aimed at using Igbos as sacrificial lambs for selfish political agendas.
“The Southeast’s total compliance with the directive to abstain from the protests is a testament to the newfound sense of unity and determination among Ndigbo to end the systematic manipulation and exploitation by certain unpatriotic elements and privileged elites. This marks a new chapter in Igbo perseverance, nerve, and resolve to assert our rights and protect our interests.
“The transformation of the Federal Expressway in the region is a clear demonstration of the commitment to development and progress. We also call for the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu and the creation of an additional state for the Southeast to address the longstanding marginalization and neglect of the region.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has now realized that the Southeast and Ndigbo are not his enemies, and we urge him to reciprocate this gesture by releasing Nnamdi Kanu and initiating more viable projects for the Southeast. The Southeast remains open to dialogue and cooperation with the federal government for the overall development and prosperity of the nation.
“We urge all Ndigbo to remain steadfast and resolute in the face of any pressures or attempts to undermine our unity and progress. Let us continue to stand together in solidarity and work towards a brighter future for our people and our nation,” he said.
