Ohanaeze faction knocks Obi over endorsement of protest

• Igbo elders: We’re not protesting, mourning our leaders’ passing
• Ohanaeze skips Igbo Day celebration to honour Iwuanyanwu

A faction of the apex pan-Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has carpeted the endorsement of August 1-10 planned hunger protests in Nigeria by the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

In a statement on Tuesday by its Secretary-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, entitled: ‘Nationwide Protests: Obi’s Support Puts Ndigbo in Danger,’ the group said Obi’s decision to support the protests, especially in the presence of Governor Alex Otti, has put the Ndigbo at risk, “and has the potential to jeopardise the safety and investments of our people across the country.”

It added: “While Obi has the constitutional right to express his support for the protests, his actions have far-reaching implications that cannot be ignored. By aligning himself with the protests against President Tinubu, Obi has inadvertently sent a message that the leaders of the LP are united in their stance against the current administration. This move is not only an affront to Ndigbo, but also puts our community in a vulnerable position.

“Obi’s endorsement goes against the earlier decisions of Ndigbo to abstain from participating in the protests. We have concerns about the potential hijacking of the protests by criminal elements, in view of the security challenges facing the Southeast region. Therefore, Ohanaeze holds Obi responsible for any loss of life or investments belonging to Igbo in the North and Southwest during the protests.”

Also, the Igbo Elders Consultative Forum has distanced itself from the proposed protest, stating that the Southeast will not participate in any demonstration. During a press briefing in Abuja, Chief (Dr.) Simon Okeke and Prof. Charles Nwekeakwu, Chairman and Secretary of the Forum, respectively, urged all Nigerians to work towards a prosperous, just, and equitable society.

They emphasised that the Igbo people are mourning the loss of their illustrious sons and leaders, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Ferdinand Agu, and Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, and will not be distracted by the proposed national protest.

Meanwhile, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has announced it is skipping this year’s Igbo Day celebration in honour of its late President-General, Iwuanyanwu. Ohanaeze observes September 29 each year as Igbo day.

Secretary General of Ohanaeze, Okey Emuchay, who disclosed the cancellation after an emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the organisation and opening of register for the late elder statesman at Ohanaeze’s national secretariat, Enugu, explained that the decision was part of efforts to honour and respect Iwuanyanwu.

Emuchay, who signed the register on behalf of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, called on its chapters in Nigeria and abroad to open condolence registers for the late icon. Iwuanyanwu died last week after a brief illness.