The Ohanaeze Youth Council(OYC) has heaped praises on Igbo citizens for not participating in the nationwide strike.
In a statement, the National President General, Comrade Igboayaka O Igboayaka, said the South-East tribe is beginning to let the lessons of history on national politics form the basis for its actions.
He said, “The Nationwide protest tagged ” Days of Rage” has shown the capacity of Ndigbo with deep Unity. Ndigbo is becoming wise with deep sense of history as regards national politics.
“From time immemorial all the effort Ndigbo made to make Nigeria work was misinterpreted or seen as an antagonism to the non-existing Nigeria unity championed by the West and Northern Nigeria. Ndigbo has always been antagonized in Nigeria for any slightest move.
“Any Political step of Ndigbo looks suspicious to those cohabiting with the Igbos. Ndigbo are the most suspected tribe in Nigeria. Yet those who are suspecting and not comfortable with Ndigbo have not joined the call for Referendum in Nigeria or support Ndigbo to secede.
“No tribe have cried or lamented for Ndigbo apart from 2024 “Hunger Protest” when they remember to cry and lament why Igbos are not joining the protest, but Ndigbo has been protesting, marginalized, maimed, killed and with the worst part of justice, while other tribes stand in akimbo and watch. Unfortunately today, they are lamenting because Ndigbo shunned Nationwide protest.
“For those who care to know, the silence of Ndigbo on the ongoing Nationwide protest is also a protest; just that we chose the best wise way to protest.”
He advised Igbos living outside Alaigbo (Igboland) who might be tempted to join the protest to have a rethink, alleging that “because the chances of the person being a sacrificial lamb is 100% guaranteed.”
He called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure the adequate protection of the lives and properties of Ndigbo living outside Alaigbo.
“I advise protesters to shun any plans of looting because such criminal act on Igbo shops or properties will be resisted by every necessary with a weapon that will place the judgement of death upon the criminal- Protester in disguise.
He advocated for the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
“As we’re reflecting on the over three years incarceration of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in DSS dungeon from former president Mohammadu Buhari’s government. We are earnestly hoping for his release by the order of Commander In-chief of Arm Forces Federal Republic of Nigeria His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
The group then went ahead to mourn some of its national heroes who died recently.
“Notwithstanding the ongoing protest in other parts of the country, Ndigbo are in sober reflection as we’re mourning our fallen Igbo icons who chronically left us at this crucial time; Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, Chief Fred Agu, Chief Engr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Chief Ifeanyi Uba, and Her Excellency Onyeka Onwenu.
“This period for Ndigbo is not a period of engaging in ” ghaa ghaa ghaa” on the road or streets in the name of protesting for increment of “Beans and Rice” “Cassava and Agbado”. But it serves as a very interesting opportunity for a proper sociopolitical reflection and meditation on the journey of our political freedom in Nigeria.
“Ndigbo must use this ten “Days of Rage Protest” to reflect on the Hundred and Ten years(110) political servitude Britain kept the rest of Nigerians particularly how it affects Ndigbo since the 1914 economic Amalgamation of Southern and Northern Nigeria and Nigeria Independent of 1960 to 1967-70 Genocide against Ndigbo.
“Southern protectorate and Northern protectorate were merged just for business convenient for British Government, not for Political cum economic development in Nigeria. We therefore balkanise Nigeria for survival convenient for Nigerians.
“I hail Ndigbo for adhering to the no-protest declaration in Igboland and their wisdom in choosing a new political destiny in Nigeria.”
