Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, has strongly criticized Bayo Onanuga for what it describes as his persistent and inflammatory comments against the Igbo community. The group has urged Onanuga to focus his efforts on aiding President Bola Tinubu in addressing Nigeria's pressing challenges.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo expressed deep concern over Onanuga's remarks, characterizing them as "unthoughtful, loathsome, cantankerous, uncouth, repugnant, inflammable, and full of deep-seated hate" towards the Igbo. They reminded Onanuga that the hardships facing Nigeria do not discriminate based on ethnicity, urging the presidency to implement policies that would benefit all Nigerians, regardless of their background.
In response to Onanuga's comments regarding upcoming national protests, Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, stated, "The attention of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has been drawn to a remark by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who claimed that those planning nationwide protests are supporters of Peter Obi, the failed presidential candidate of the Labour Party, and that Obi should be held responsible for any ensuing crisis."
Ogbonnia further highlighted past statements made by Onanuga, including a controversial warning to the Igbo community regarding their involvement in Lagos politics. Despite criticism from figures such as Festus Keyamo, Onanuga reportedly stated that he "owes no one an apology for ethnic slur against Igbo."
Ohanaeze Ndigbo emphasized that Nigerians from all regions are currently suffering from a variety of issues, including economic hardship, insecurity, and high living costs. They called on the government to focus on creative solutions and welfare programs for the masses, rather than issuing threats.
Reiterating their stance on the planned protests in August 2024, Ohanaeze Ndigbo noted that their President General, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has instructed Igbo youths not to participate. He pointed out that while youths from other ethnic groups often face less severe consequences for their actions, Igbo youths are frequently subjected to harsh treatment.
The organization stressed that the current hardships in Nigeria are partly due to systemic discrimination and marginalization of the Igbo, a sentiment echoed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who warned that Nigeria would continue to struggle unless it embraced inclusivity and meritocracy.
In conclusion, Ohanaeze Ndigbo reiterated their call for the Igbo community to refrain from joining the nationwide protests, emphasizing the need for unity and focused efforts to overcome the nation's challenges.
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