Voice Air Media, VAM News Update
Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has directed groups in the region not to protest against the administration of Bola Tinubu.
Osun Defender reports that there have been protests in some parts of the country over the hike in food prices and harsh living conditions.
Also, the organised labour last week announced a nationwide protest for February 27 and 28 over the rising cost of living.
However, the Ohanaeze President-General, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, while speaking on Monday, said he received entreaties requesting him to call Nigerians from the zone to join in the demonstration across the country.
He said, “As your leader, I am directing that no Igbo group or community in Nigeria or in the diaspora should join any protest against this government.
“I am still studying the situation and I have asked those who made entreaties to me to tell me what their position was prior to the current administration.
“I have asked what they did when Igbo land was disenfranchised in the past.”
Iwuanyawu while describing the current economic crisis in Nigeria as unfortunate, assured that he would convene a meeting of top Igbo economists and experts to strategise on how to overcome the hardships.
He said the economists and experts would offer advice to Tinubu on the economy.
“Igbos are opposed to military rule and prefer a democratic government where we can express our views.
“Youths all over the world are very restive and sensitive to issues affecting their future. In Nigeria, Igbo youths and youths from other tribes at various times have expressed their dissatisfaction with events in the country.
“It is clear to us that when youths from other tribes of the country are involved, they are reprimanded and forgiven; but when Igbo youths get involved they are arrested, incarcerated and even charged for serious offences.
“For example, the arrest and detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu generated a lot of problems for Igbos.
“Many Igbos, including governors, law-makers, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and business leaders pleaded for the release of Mazi Kanu without success,” he said.