A Chieftain of the apex Igbo Socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Okechukwu lsiguzoro, has said that the recent events surrounding the endorsement of the Nationwide Protests by the 2023 Labour Party, LP, Presidential Candidate, Mr Peter Obi, have raised serious concerns within the Igbo community.
Obi had last week during his visit to Abia State in the presence of Governor Alex Otti supported the planned national protests.
Isiguzoro, who is the factional Secretary-general of Ohanaeze in a statement on Tuesday, stated that Obi’s activities have put Ndigbo at risk and could jeopardize the safety and investments of the people across the country.
The statement reads in Part” It is important to note that while Mr Obi has the constitutional right to express his support for the protests, his actions has far-reaching implications that cannot be ignored.
“By aligning himself with the protests against President Bola Tinubu, Obi has inadvertently sent a message that the leaders of the LABOUR PARTY 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. Ohanaeze Ndigbo has carefully assessed the situation and has come to the conclusion that Obi’s endorsement of the protests goes against the earlier decisions of Ndigbo to abstain from participating in the protests.
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“We have concerns about the potential hijacking of the protests by criminal elements, as well as the security challenges facing the Southeast region. The recent spike in insecurity in Aba following Obi’s visit to Governor Otti’s home is a clear indication of the risks involved.
“Therefore, Ohanaeze Ndigbo holds Mr Peter Obi responsible for any loss of life or investments belonging to Igbos in the North and Southwest during the protests. His decision to support the protests, especially in the presence of Governor Otti, is seen as a deliberate attempt to undermine the safety and well-being of our people.
“We urge Mr Peter Obi to reconsider his stance on the Nationwide Protests and to prioritize the safety and interests of Ndigbo. We call on Governor Alex Otti to clarify his position on the protests and to ensure that the security of our people is not compromised. Ohanaeze remains committed to protecting the welfare of Ndigbo and will take all necessary measures to safeguard our community.
