By PAMELA EBOH
The acting National Youth Leader of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, has called on the EndBadGovernment protesters to refrain from reactive style of protest and embeace a responsive stance constructive engagement.
Speaking with journalists in Awka, Okpalaezeukwu described the protest as an offshoot of accumulated maladministration in the country, saying that a time comes when the people must restrategize and forge a more progressive course towards securing their demands.
He urged people not to heap all the blame on the Federal Government alone, but also the state governors.
The acting National Youh leader said, "After the Civil War, Ndigbo were promised the three ‘Rs,’ which were anticipated to help put the Civil War behind us. However, that promise was not fulfilled, but the Igbos, having reacted through the war, decided to respond with their talents and capacity.
He urged people not to heap all the blame on the Federal Government alone, but also the state governors.
The acting National Youh leader said, "After the Civil War, Ndigbo were promised the three ‘Rs,’ which were anticipated to help put the Civil War behind us. However, that promise was not fulfilled, but the Igbos, having reacted through the war, decided to respond with their talents and capacity.
"Today, the Southeast region and its people are known for their commerce, industry, and enterprise because the people chose to be more responsive than reactive.
“The protest today is in reaction to the effects of accumulated maladministration in Nigeria. Food insecurity was begotten by insecurity. For years now, our farmers do not go to the farm; they do not produce food as usual, and it is reflecting in widespread hunger.
“Imagine the teeming youths that came out for this protest being channeled to agriculture and what can be achieved, just like what Gov Umaru Bago is doing in Niger State. It will turn things around, producing more food and addressing the challenge of food insecurity.
“However, this is a reactive measure by the IPOB, because the Ohaneze Ndigbo under the late Chief Iwuanyanwu was responding to the issues of marginalization, exclusion, and hunger in the region through the introduction of numerous projects.
“The protest today is in reaction to the effects of accumulated maladministration in Nigeria. Food insecurity was begotten by insecurity. For years now, our farmers do not go to the farm; they do not produce food as usual, and it is reflecting in widespread hunger.
"But I am expecting Nigerians, especially the youths, having reacted through protests for these past days, and the president has come out to address the country, to now converge from reaction to response. Let us respond to our challenges and proffer solutions.
“Imagine the teeming youths that came out for this protest being channeled to agriculture and what can be achieved, just like what Gov Umaru Bago is doing in Niger State. It will turn things around, producing more food and addressing the challenge of food insecurity.
"Also, when we all come to blame the Federal Government while nobody is giving attention to the State and Local Governments, then we are not being fair. Government in Nigeria has three tiers, and we must hold them to account across the tiers.
"That is why we commend the Federal Government and the State Governors for the LG autonomy, which will go a long way in addressing many issues at the grassroots."
On the issues of gunmen and non-state actors ravaging the Southeast region, Okpalaezeukwu noted that the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization has not been complacent about the issue.
He stressed that the organization has made several efforts to appeal to the people to sheathe their swords and follow a more progressive path towards finding a solution to the injustices and marginalization they face.
The acting Youth leader added, “Ohaneze is not quiet over the issue of gunmen and incessant sit-at-home in the Southeast. Through our leader, late Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu of blessed memory, Ndigbo responded effectively to that challenge in various ways.
"Indeed, it was the treatment of the region over the years that encouraged youths to join the IPOB, in line with the right to association. Remember, this sit-at-home came as a protest against the unjust detention of the IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
“However, this is a reactive measure by the IPOB, because the Ohaneze Ndigbo under the late Chief Iwuanyanwu was responding to the issues of marginalization, exclusion, and hunger in the region through the introduction of numerous projects.
"The Ohaneze Ndigbo youths have worked hard to sensitize our youths and engage our people on the need to reverse the sit-at-home as a measure of protesting because there are so many alternative ways of protesting against the injustices against our people.
"Fortunately, it is yielding amazing results. Today, sit-at-home is not as serious as it used to be because it is obviously counterproductive to our security, our economy, and our wellbeing".