Apex sociocultural organisation of the Igbos, Ohaneze has condemned the calculated attempts by some Nigerians to make the on-going EndSARS demonstrations organized by young Nigerians against long-standing injustices across the country to look like incited by the Igbos.
The Ohaneze position was contained in a release by the Secretary of the body in Lagos, Mr Everest Ozonweke.
The statement noted that the attention of the organization “has been drawn to publications by unscrupulous elements making rounds in the social media ascribing the recent mayhem and wanton destruction of properties in Lagos State to Igbos.”
“This twist of events is highly unfortunate and unacceptable, it is nothing but malicious lies from the pit of hell and illusive imagination of agents of destabilization. We condemn this in its entirety. Thank God we are in the age of social media where evidences and facts are not far fetched.”
Ohaneze further contended that: “For ages Igbos as peace loving people have maintained strong synergy with the Yorubas. Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Afenifere have been in strong alliance in the Southern Nigeria leaders forum, which includes the PANDEF and the Middle Belt regions of Nigeria, respectively. We share a common value in life, peaceful coexistence and unity among our people.”
The body cautioned against the efforts at wrongly pointing accusing fingers at innocent people or groups by evil-minded propagandists.
“In this precarious situation and trying period of our Nationhood all hands must be on deck to build and not destroy, to unite and not divide. Total adherent to the rules of engagement is of utmost importance and should be our guiding principle.”
“Consistently Ohanaeze National Leadership have been in the campaign for peaceful coexistence, oneness and respect to the culture and tradition of our host communities in Lagos. We have maintained a good working relationship with the Government and good people of Lagos State. In line with our policy of leaving it better than we met it, no man in his rightful senses will destroy the house that gives him shelter but will do everything possible for it’s preservation.”
“Our heart bleeds and goes out to our falling heroes, the Nigeria Youths who paid the supreme price at Lekki tollgate, even as we condemned the atrocious act in strongest terms. We are in full solidarity with our touch bearers the Nigeria Youths, the pride of our Nation that are still hanging unto our National flag, the very symbol of our oneness. They are the hope of greater Nigeria.”
Ohaneze “also condemn in strongest terms the destruction of public and private facilities in Lagos State while calling for calm and total restraint from hate speeches and action that may lead to further breach of public peace in the State.”
The statement went further to call on Igbos in Lagos to continue to be law abiding:
“Having observed the uncharitable nature of what used to be a peaceful protest we advice Ndigbo to adhere completely to the directives of the Lagos State Government in observance of the 24-hour curfew until it is relaxed by the State Government, stay indoors and maintain peace and order in your neighborhoods.”
Ohaneze also called on the country’s National Security Agencies in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, to as it put it, “up the game in protecting lives and properties of Nigerians wherever they may be to avoid vandalization of their means of livelihood in various markets.”
“We as a Nation has gone through worst case scenarios and came out stronger and united.
This will not be an exception. By His grace we shall overcome”, the release concluded.
