Federal Capital Territory, FCT, chapter of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has directed all Igbos in Abuja not to participate in the planned August 1 hunger protest in the country.

President of Ohanaeze in the FCT, Eze Primacy Okadigbo made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to Okadigbo, the directive is in line with the directives of Igbo Delegates Assembly, IDA, in the 19 northern states and FCT, under the leadership of Chief Kenneth Okeugo, and the National Executive Council of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide.

The Igbo leader noted that the apex Igbo body views the protest as not only anti-government but also anti-Igbo, and therefore cannot allow Ndigbo to be part of any activity that would further increase the marginalisation people of the South-East.

The statement read: “I, Eze Primacy Okadigbo, president of Ohanaeze Ndigbo FCT, hereby direct all sons and daughters of Igbo extraction within the Federal Capital Territory to abstain from participating in the scheduled hunger protest on August 1st, 2024.

“The FCT chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo is in alignment with the directives of Igbo Delegates Assembly, IDA, 19 northern states and FCT, under the leadership of Chief Kenneth Okeugo, and the National Executive Council of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide.

“We view the protest as not only anti-government but also anti-Igbo, and we cannot afford to be part of any activity that will further marginalize our people.
“We urge all Igbos to remain calm and law-abiding, while we continue to work towards a more inclusive and equitable society for all Nigerians.

“We will explore other avenues of engagement and dialogue to address our concerns and promote the welfare of Ndigbo.”

“Furthermore, I advise Ndigbo nationwide to devise means of guiding and protecting their properties, as we cannot afford to suffer unnecessary losses.

“We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of our people in this matter.”