The apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has announced that the Igbo people will not take part in the planned nationwide protest scheduled for June 12, Democracy Day.
In a statement released by its Deputy President General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the organisation described the decision as a protective measure, rather than an act of indifference. He said the stance is aimed at safeguarding the lives and property of Igbos across the country.
“No protests will be allowed across the seven Igbo-speaking states until the Nigerian government adequately addresses our collective concerns,” Isiguzoro stated.
He warned the organisers of the protest that the Igbo have unanimously resolved not to participate in any demonstrations—whether within the Southeast or in other parts of Nigeria where Igbos reside.
Isiguzoro also alleged that some political actors were plotting to exploit the protests to destabilise the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and frame the Igbo as enemies of the state.
“There is a covert plan being hatched in Abuja, Kaduna, Maiduguri, and Lagos by unpatriotic politicians and anti-democratic forces. These protests are being weaponised to incite instability, with the intention of scapegoating the Igbo,” the statement read.
Ohanaeze further recalled that the Igbo have historically suffered disproportionately during nationwide protests, often becoming targets of violence and betrayal.
“For over six decades, our people have been made scapegoats in anti-government protests, with devastating consequences. The current security situation in the Southeast makes any protest both unwise and dangerous,” Isiguzoro said.
He concluded by reiterating that the Igbo will not join any national protest until their longstanding demands are met, chief among them, the release of all Igbo individuals allegedly detained unjustly across the country.
Nzubechukwu Eze
