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From George Onyejiuwa, Owerri
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As the nationwide protests against hardship kicked off on Thursday, major General, Collins Remy – Ugo Ihekire ( rtd) has said that Igbos should not be dragged into the protests as the people are not favorably disposed to the idea of the protests.
The former AU force commander in Darfur, noted that barring luxury buses from South East from the South West or any part of Nigeria is unacceptable and condemnable .
He also condemned the killings in the South East, especially as witnessed in Imo state in the past few days ,saying that It is not the character of Ndigbo to kill their kiths and kins to drive home their grievances and anger.
In statement on Friday personally signed General Ihekire said : “Ndigbo are not favorably disposed to the planned protest, and all efforts to drag them into it, is totally unacceptable. Not even by fabricated violence in Alaigbo.
The barring of luxury buses entering the South West or other regions is condemnable and a failed scope to lure Ndị Igbo into the protest. It is a demonic desperation to make believe that Ndigbo are responsible for a protest that they have let the world know that they have no Interest in and have clearly washed their hands off it.”
Continuing, he said , ” The timing of these protests also coincides with an alarming surge in violence in the South East, where unknown gunmen have unleashed a wave of terror in recent days to falsely show lack of peace in the South East Zone. These attacks have resulted in the loss of innocent lives, destruction of property, and have created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty in the region. Just this past week, several reports highlighted the brutal killings and abductions carried out by these unidentified assailants. Communities have been left devastated, with many wondering when this nightmare will end.
He added , ” The South East has become a hotbed of violence, which the authorities should do all it can to contain. Amidst this chaos, joining in nationwide protests could further complicate the situation, potentially inviting even more violence and destruction to our already embattled communities. It is important to recognize that the recent attacks by unknown gunmen have not only destabilized the region but have also provided a pretext for increased military presence and operations, which in themselves have led to more suffering for the ordinary people.
In recent days, there has been a disturbing trend of tribal bigots issuing threats against Ndigbo, warning them to stay away from the protests or face dire consequences. The logic of this warning defies reason because this is despite the very loud and clear messages by various igbo leaders and Igbo organizations that Ndigbo will not take part in any protest against President Tinubu’s government. This is not just absurd – it is dangerous and reminiscent of a history we must never forget.
These threats are a stark reminder of the dark days of the 1960s when a similar rhetoric led to an unimaginable massacre of people of defunct Eastern Region in Northern Nigeria. The unfortunate reality is that some elements in this country see every national issue through an ethnic lens. For them, the protests are not just about addressing national problems but also an opportunity to keep ablaze animosities that have continued to define Nigeria since Independence. It is in this context that we must tread with extreme caution.” He said .
