The Coalition of Igbo Political and Social-Cultural Groups, Lagos State, held an emergency press briefing regarding the upcoming “End Hunger Protest” slated to begin nationwide on August 1, 2024, at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
The coalition, after thorough analysis, acknowledged the severe economic hardships in Nigeria but emphasized that these challenges are not unique to Nigeria alone but are being experienced globally. They asserted that the current economic woes are not the fault of the present administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has been in office for less than a year. Instead, these issues are the result of accumulated misgovernance from past administrations.
The coalition believes that a national protest at this critical juncture would be counterproductive as the federal government is working to revive the economy. They distanced themselves from the planned protest, which they described as organized by “unscrupulous faceless elements” misusing Igbo identities for agitation.
They urged Nigerians to engage in constructive dialogue with the government rather than resort to provocative protests and violence. They called on all Igbos in Lagos, including residents, traders, and business leaders, to refrain from participating in the protest. They highlighted the significant contributions of Igbos to Lagos’ development and stressed that Igbos are builders, not destroyers.
The coalition also revealed that the organizers of the protest are not known to them and are not Igbos, accusing them of attempting to create confusion and discredit the Igbo community.
The coalition expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for establishing the South East Development Commission and appointing an Igbo as the Chief of Naval Staff, enhancing the Igbo presence in national security. They appealed to the President to ensure the commission benefits the South East region and expedite the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu through political means, as advocated by many Igbo leaders.
The coalition consists of sixteen prominent groups, including The Council of Ndieze in Lagos State, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos, South-East Forum, Igbo Mandate, Seven Igbo Town Unions, Igbo Speaking Community, Igbo Vision APC Lagos, Igbo Market Men and Women Associations, and Ndigbo in APC (authentic).
Key attendees included:
– High Chief Anselm Njoku, Coordinator
– Eze Dr. Uche Dimgba, Eze Ndigbo Ikeja and BOT Chairman, Council Of Ndieze, Lagos State
– Eze Chris Offia, Chairman, Council of Ndieze, Lagos State
– Chief Chris Ekeocha, Chairman, Presidents of Seven Igbo Town Unions in Lagos State
– Hon. Nelly Okafor, President, Market Women
– Chief Sunday Eze, President-General, Igbo Speaking Community, Lagos State
– Chief Sunday Ossia, President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Lagos State
