South-East Igbo group distances itself from June 12 democracy day protest

DDM News

A faction of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has announced that the South-East region will not participate in the upcoming nationwide protest scheduled for June 12.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the decision was declared by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the factional Deputy President-General of Ohanaeze, through an official statement released on Sunday.

He stated that this position is not a rejection of civic responsibility but a strategic step aimed at protecting lives and properties in the South-East.

The group cited bitter historical experiences from past protests, where the Igbo were allegedly betrayed and scapegoated despite acting in national solidarity.

According to Isiguzoro, the Igbo have often faced violent backlash during such protests, leading to unjustified killings and destruction of property in their communities.

He emphasized that Igbos have paid dearly in the past without receiving justice or compensation, and the current national atmosphere remains too dangerous for participation.

The group raised concerns about increasing insecurity in the region, warning that any form of protest could escalate into chaos or violence.

They made it clear that future Igbo participation in national protests would depend on the federal government’s response to long-standing demands.

Chief among these demands is the immediate release of Igbo prisoners of conscience, notably Nnamdi Kanu and others detained without fair trial.

Isiguzoro accused the government of selective justice, highlighting that while some political detainees in other regions have had charges dropped, Igbo detainees remain behind bars.

He stated that such double standards have caused disillusionment among many Igbos and that the South-East cannot continue to bear the cost of national agitation alone.

The statement also pointed to alleged political manipulation behind the planned protest, suggesting that some elements are plotting to use the protest to undermine the Tinubu-led administration.

Isiguzoro warned that such plots aim to wrongly label Igbos as national antagonists, further endangering the region and reinforcing political marginalization.

He claimed that organizers in Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna, and Maiduguri are attempting to trigger national unrest under the guise of democratic protest.

According to him, such efforts are being coordinated by unpatriotic politicians and anti-democratic forces who are seeking to destabilize Nigeria using protests as cover.

He insisted that the South-East will no longer serve as a scapegoat or pawn in any political games designed to sabotage national unity.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s faction reiterated that they are not against national reform but would no longer support movements that do not guarantee the safety and interest of Ndigbo.

The statement concluded by urging all Igbos to remain vigilant and not allow themselves to be used in any plot that could lead to further suffering or destruction.

Observers say this latest position may widen the perceived political divide between the South-East and other parts of Nigeria in matters of national agitation.

Political analysts believe it also reflects growing frustration among the Igbo populace over what they perceive as institutional bias and neglect.

Critics of Ohanaeze’s position argue that national unity requires collective effort and that selective non-participation could further isolate the region politically.

However, supporters maintain that no group should be forced into risky engagements that could provoke targeted attacks or deepen insecurity in their homeland.

The June 12 Democracy Day protest is expected to draw nationwide participation, primarily aimed at expressing grievances over governance, insecurity, and economic hardship.

But with the South-East opting out, questions are being raised about the inclusiveness and effectiveness of the planned demonstrations.

As June 12 approaches, attention will turn to how other regional blocs and civil society organizations respond to Ohanaeze’s declaration.

It remains uncertain how this decision will affect the overall turnout or public perception of the protest across the country.

In the past, June 12 has been marked by symbolic demonstrations across Nigeria, commemorating the annulled 1993 election and celebrating the country’s democratic journey.

However, the growing tensions and accusations of political scapegoating may cloud this year’s observance with suspicion and division.

The position taken by the Ohanaeze faction suggests a deepening distrust in Nigeria’s political process and an urgent need for national reconciliation.

As the day draws closer, the hope is that protests remain peaceful and inclusive, without inflaming existing regional grievances or endangering innocent lives.

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