Why Igbo Youths Won’t Join Hunger Protest – Ohanaeze

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing, the apex socio-cultural organization representing Igbo youth, has announced that they will not participate in the upcoming nationwide protests scheduled from August 1 to 10, 2024. Speaking after an Emergency Convention of Igbo Youth Leaders and Stakeholders 2024 in Enugu, the group explained their decision, citing concerns over potential violence and a preference for constructive dialogue with the government. Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, the acting National President of the Ohanaeze Youth Wing, stated that while the Southeast region has ample reasons to protest, including economic hardship, high youth unemployment, and poor representation in governance, the decision aligns with the stance of their elders. The group believes that engaging in dialogue with the Federal Government and Southeast governors will be a more effective way to address the region’s unique challenges.

Okpalaezeukwu emphasized that although participating in the hunger protest is a constitutional right and is justifiable given the current state of the nation, there are concerns about the potential for violence and property destruction, reminiscent of the EndSARS protests in 2020. He expressed fears that Igbo citizens and their investments could become targets during the protests.

The group called for equitable treatment of Igbo people, including the creation of an additional state to balance the representation with other regions and the release of youths, including Nnamdi Kanu, who are unjustly detained. They stressed the importance of ensuring Igbo youths are appointed to political positions and included in governance. Okpalaezeukwu concluded that through continued constructive dialogue, the issues agitating the South Easterners could be addressed, and a sense of belonging and fairness could be achieved.