Nationwide Protest: Foreign Mercenaries, Unpatriotic Nigerians Planning To Use Igbos As Pawns – Ohanaeze Ndigbo

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has praised the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for curbing the politically motivated nationwide protest.

Speaking via a statement, the group said that they were aware that some foreign mercenaries in league with unpatriotic Nigerians were planning to unleash havoc during the protest and use the Igbos as pawns.

Ohanaeze lamented that the current unrest plaguing the nation has instilled a sense of unease among the populace.

According to the group, reports have revealed that a significant number of Nigerian politicians were fleeing the country for shelter overseas.

“We are cognizant of the presence of foreign mercenaries in league with unpatriotic elements, scheming to incite chaos in Nigeria and using the Igbo people as pawns.

“The abrupt exodus of top government officials, political elites, and prominent business figures has triggered widespread apprehension, particularly among the Igbo residents in the North and Southwest states,” they said.

However, the Secretary-General of the group, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, assured, both Ndigbo at home and in the diaspora, that stringent security measures will be enforced by the Ministry of State Defence and the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) to safeguard against any form of molestation, intimidation, or harm to Igbo lives and properties in the North and Southwest regions.

Ohanaeze reiterated the resolute decision of Igbo traders and residents to boycott the planned nationwide protests as a testament to their unwavering commitment to peaceful coexistence and unity.

The group subsequently urged the Presidency, through the Minister of State for Defence, Matawalle, and the Office of the National Security Adviser, to intensify efforts to protect Igbo residents in the North and Southwest from harassment or intimidation.

“We implore the proponents of the August 1st to 10th, 2024 protests to explore avenues for dialogue with President Tinubu to address their grievances peacefully and amicably, without resorting to violence or causing casualties.”

“We are cognizant of the presence of foreign mercenaries in league with unpatriotic elements, scheming to incite chaos in Nigeria and using the Igbo people as pawns in their destructive pursuits. However, the collective decision of Igbo residents to distance themselves from the protests has left the instigators perturbed, prompting concerns that they may resort to inciting violence against the Igbo populace in a bid to provoke their involvement.

“Importantly, we affirm that there will be no protests in the Southeast, as we entrust Igbo youths with directives to thwart any attempts to incite unrest within the region and in solidarity, we uphold the values of peace, unity, and non-violence, demonstrating our unwavering resolve to foster a harmonious and prosperous nation,” the statement added.