A Chieftain of apex Socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Okechukwu lsiguzoro has alleged that top government officials have planned to leave the country ahead of the planned nationwide Protests.
Isiguzoro alleged that a significant number of Nigerian politicians have already fled the country for shelter overseas.
The lgbo body maintained that the abrupt exodus of top government officials, political elites, and prominent business figures has triggered widespread apprehension, particularly among the Igbo residents in the North and South-west states.
In a statement he issued on Sunday, lsiguzoro who is the Ohanaeze’s factional Secretary-general, extended its appreciation to the Minister of Defence, Bello Matawalle and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu for their unwavering dedication in curbing the politically motivated nationwide Protests slated for August 1st to 10th.
The statement reads in part” Ohanaeze had previously called upon Igbo residents in the Northern and Southwestern states to abstain from participating in the forthcoming protests, aligning with our core principles of peace and advocating for calm amidst turbulent times.
“Rest assured, both Ndigbo at home and in the diaspora, that stringent security measures will be enforced by the Ministry of State for Defence and the Office of the National Security Adviser to safeguard against any form of molestation, intimidation, or harm to Igbo lives and properties in the North and Southwest regions.
“The resolute decision of Igbo traders and residents to boycott the planned nationwide protests is a testament to our unwavering commitment to peaceful coexistence and unity.
“We implore the proponents of the August 1st to 10th, 2024 protests to explore avenues for dialogue with President BolaTinubu to address their grievances peacefully and amicably, without resorting to violence or causing casualties.
“We are cognizant of the presence of foreign mercenaries in league with unpatriotic elements, scheming to incite chaos in Nigeria and using the Igbo people as pawns in their destructive pursuits.
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“However, the collective decision of Igbo residents to distance themselves from the protests has left the instigators perturbed, prompting concerns that they may resort to inciting violence against the Igbo populace in a bid to provoke their involvement.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo, underscores that the withdrawal of Igbo residents from the protests disrupts the sinister plans of the sponsors, rendering their malevolent intentions unattainable.
“Therefore, we urge the Presidency, through the Minister of State for Defence, Hon. Bello Matawalle, and the Office of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu to intensify efforts in protecting Igbo residents in the North and Southwest from any form of harassment or intimidation.
‘Importantly, we affirm that there will be no protests in the Southeast, as we entrust Igbo youths with directives to thwart any attempts to incite unrest within the region.In solidarity, we uphold the values of peace, unity, and non-violence, demonstrating our unwavering resolve to foster a harmonious and prosperous nation.
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