Serving senators under the South-East Caucus have condemned the ethnic profiling of the Igbo amid ongoing mass protests across Nigeria. This intervention follows threats of genocide against the Igbo in Lagos.
The caucus, represented by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and Igariwey Iduma Enwo (leaders of the South East Senate Caucus of the National Assembly and the South East Caucus of the House of Representatives, respectively), called for an immediate investigation and prosecution of those instigating such threats.
In a statement issued in Abuja, they emphasized that the Igbo, following the advice of their leaders—including governors, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, parliamentarians, and private sector leaders—had strategically chosen not to participate in the ongoing protests. This decision is reflected in the relative calm in the five southeastern states.
“We are surprised and disappointed that the Igbo are still being targeted as instigators of protests, evidenced by statements like the #IgboMustGo hashtag and videos circulating online,” the statement read. “This dangerous ethnic profiling is unwarranted and must stop. It led to millions of deaths from the 1950s to the unfortunate civil war in 1967-1970 and genocides elsewhere in Africa.”
The caucus demanded that security agencies bring the purveyors of these hate speeches to justice under the cybercrimes act and criminal laws of Nigeria. They also urged the Igbo across the country to stay away from protests and remain law-abiding.
IBN Demands Decisive Action from Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu
The Igbo-Biafra Nationalists (IBN) have called on President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action against those promoting the #Igbomustgo threat in Lagos. Mazi Uche Mefor, IBN’s convener, expressed disappointment over the inadequate responses from President Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.
“The Igbo-Biafra Nationalists and the Indigenous People of Igbo Nation for Self-Determination express deep concern over the ethnic profiling and discrimination against the Igbo community, particularly in Lagos State,” Mefor said. “Mere public statements are insufficient. We demand comprehensive punitive measures against the perpetrators of these acts of ethnic bigotry.”
Mefor urged for the robust prosecution of those responsible for hate publications and ethnic profiling. He highlighted that anti-Igbo policies have encouraged hate speech, citing individuals like MC Oluomo. He also drew parallels to the 1966 pogrom against the Igbo in Nigeria, stressing the importance of preventing such atrocities in the 21st century.
IBN called on South-East political representatives, including governors, state house assembly members, and other stakeholders, to take decisive action. They also urged these representatives to raise these issues in the National Assembly and consider coordinated legal action against the Nigerian state.
