Chinedum Treasure
Odimmaigbo Youths Association worldwide has commended youths of Igbo extraction for listening to voice of reason and being obedient in their non participation in the on-going nationwide hunger protest in line with the resolution taken by Ndigbo not to join in the exercise.
The group, in a statement by its President, Ibeh Chimezie, Vice, Mazi Tony Anyanwuakpoke and Patron, Chief Innocent Okoye said the singular act of staying away from the protest proved that the Igbo, especially the youths could still act with one voice to prove a point.
According to the group, the Igbo who usually bore the brunt during such incidents had learnt their lessons.
The statement reads in part, “The Igbo have always been the target of every protest in Nigeria, the wise thing was for the youths to stay away from being part of the exercise to disappoint those who had made their evil plans waiting for Igbo to join, to get them slaughtered.
“The military always go wild with Igbo youths in any protest, so we decided to stay away from the protest. We shelved it to avoid being the scapegoats.
“We equally asked Igbo youths residing in other geo-political zones of the country to shelve the protest and make sure their properties were protected.
“It is obvious that the Igbo’s properties may not be protected, if they go out for a hunger protest, they will loot your shops and even go after your life.
“Ndigbo are tired of seeking freedom, relevance and equal treatment in Nigeria. They have not been accorded their proper place in the comity of Nigerian nation. So, their joining the protest won’t make any difference and the region has also been frustrated with their failed quest to produce Nigeria’s President.
“So, now we have wept enough. We have been shortchanged enough. What else do you want us to do, join the protest? No way. We don’t have to do so. So, we instead remained quiet and started praying to our God. We have handed everything to the hands of God and we know he will answer our prayers.”
The youths said there was no need for the Igbo to start making noise or begin protesting against the government or creating violence, pleading with the rest of the Igbo to maintain that stand.
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