By Afolabi Samuel Odunayo
Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural organization of the Igbo has criticized the federal government over what it called “bizarre dispositions towards anything Igbo.”
The organization which was reacting to a statement credited to Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga urged the presidency to channel its focus on addressing the challenges facing Nigeria.
In a statement released by the National Publicity Secretary of the apex Igbo sociocultural body, Dr. Alex Ogbonniato, Ohanaeze said the statement credited to Onanuga to the effect that a national protest is being organized by supporters of Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections is unfounded and surprising. The body wondered how Obi should be held responsible for any protests arising from the poor living conditions of Nigerians.
Concerned about the prevailing economic hardship in Nigeria, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo emphasized that the presidential aide needs to focus more on addressing the economic challenges facing the country.
Stressing that this is a time for the presidency to focus on policies that will help the vulnerable and not to issue threats to the masses, Ohanaeze pointed out that Nigerians of all backgrounds are bearing the brunts of the policies already implemented by the federal government.
The organization however made clarifications on their stance about the nationwide protests which is scheduled for August 2024.
The Ohanaeze’s President General, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu who directed the Igbo not to join any planned protests against President Tinubu, noting that Igbo youths are often treated more harshly than youths from other tribes when expressing dissatisfaction with the government.
