The Ohanaeze Ndigbo has warned Igbo youths not to join in any planned nationwide protest.
This is as Nigerians are currently protesting against President Bola Tinubu-led federal government amid the hardship Nigerians are currently experiencing.
Ohanaeze’s President-General, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, warned that Igbo youths are usually arrested and persecuted with serious charges when they join protests against the Nigerian government.
Speaking in Enugu, Iwuanyanwu described the current economic crisis in Nigeria as unfortunate, stressing that he would convene a meeting of top Igbo economists and experts to strategize on how to overcome the hardships.
“As your leader, I am directing that no Igbo group or community in Nigeria or the diaspora should join any protest against this government.
“I am still studying the situation and I have asked those who made entreaties to me to tell me what their position was prior to the current administration.
“I have asked what they did when Igbo land was disenfranchised in the past,’’ he said.
“Igbos are opposed to military rule and prefer a democratic government where we can express our views.
“Youths all over the world are very restive and sensitive to issues affecting their future. In Nigeria, Igbo youths and youths from other tribes at various times have expressed their dissatisfaction with events in the country.
“It is clear to us that when youths from other tribes of the country are involved, they are reprimanded and forgiven but when Igbo youths get involved they are arrested, incarcerated and even charged for serious offences.
“For example, the arrest and detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu generated a lot of problems for Igbos.
“Many Igbos, including governors, lawmakers, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and business leaders pleaded for the release of Mazi Kanu without success.”