Why Igbo youths won’t join hunger protest – Ohanaeze

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing, has elucidated the rationale behind Igbo youths' decision to refrain from participating in the forthcoming nationwide protests, which are scheduled to take place between August 1 and 10, 2024. In a statement released to the press on Monday following an Emergency Convention of Igbo Youth Leaders and Stakeholders 2024, titled "State of the Nation," Ohanaeze asserted that the Southeast region has substantial grounds for protest, citing pervasive economic hardship, significant youth unemployment, and inadequate representation in governance as critical concerns. In his remarks, the acting National President, Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, stated that the Ohanaeze youths concur with their elders' decision that the Igbo should not participate in the protests. Instead, they intend to engage the government in a constructive dialogue to address the region's challenges. However, following consultations with youths across the region, the group has elected to engage in dialogue with the Federal Government and South East governors to address the region's distinctive challenges and implement sustainable solutions. As they posit, this approach endeavors to cultivate constructive collaboration instead of confrontation to attain more productive and sustainable outcomes for the region's youth. Okpalaezeukwu asserted that while the hunger protest is within the constitutional rights of the people and also justifiable in light of the current state of affairs in the country, there is a concern that the protest could result in the loss of lives and property of Igbo citizens, as was the case with the Endsars protest of 2020. He stated, "It would be beneficial to have one additional state to achieve a more balanced representation of the Southeast compared to other zones." A considerable number of the region's younger population, including Nnamdi Kanu, are currently being held in detention facilities across the country, a situation that many consider to be unjust. "However, it is imperative that we avoid a repetition of the devastation of our investments throughout the country, as we could become the primary targets in any location where the protest is held." "We will engage in constructive discourse to ensure that our concerns are addressed and that equity, fairness, and a sense of belonging are guaranteed." He expressed regret that the protest had not yet commenced, noting that Igbo business people and their enterprises in Abuja, Lagos, and other major cities face threats. It is imperative that the killing and destruction of our people's property across the country be halted. Igbo youths are demanded to be appointed to political positions in the country, thereby becoming integral to the government. Following the conclusion of the civil war in the South East and the continuation of constructive dialogue, the issues that have been a source of concern for those in the South East will be addressed.