The Southeast National Assembly Caucus has denounced what the group called the unhealthy ethnic profiling of the Igbo against the backdrop of a nationwide hunger protest, which the people, not wanting to be targeted for humiliation, attacks and destruction of their property by those often instigated to do so, largely stayed out of.
In a statement signed by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, leader, South East Senate Caucus and Rt Hon Igariwey Iduma Enwo, leader, South East Caucus House Caucus, described the development as ‘a dangerous narrative’, which all the relevant authorities must endeavour to nip in the bud.
“The attention of the South East Caucus of the National Assembly has been drawn to the unfortunate and dangerous ethnic profiling of the Igbo in the ongoing mass protests across the country, the Caucus agonised.
“For the record, the Igbo nation, in obedience to the advice of their leaders- Governors,  Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, parliamentarians and others in the private sector- had taken a reasoned and strategic decision not to participate in the on-going nationwide protests. This is evident in the relative calm experienced in the five Southeastern states.
“We are, therefore, surprised and disappointed, that the Igbo are still made scapegoats, and targeted as instigators of protests, as shown in several statements (such as the Igbo Must Go hashtag and call by a certain ‘Lagospedia’ X (Twitter) handle) and videos seen online.
“This dangerous ethnic profiling is unwarranted, and must stop. It was such profiling that led to the millions of deaths in Nigeria from the 1950’s to the unfortunate civil war in 1967 to 1970. Elsewhere in Africa it led to the genocide in Rwanda and the xenophobia in South Africa.
“Such should not be our fate again in Nigeria.
“We, therefore, demand that the security agencies bring to book the purveyors of these hate speeches in line with the cybercrimes act and criminal laws of the country.”
“We continue to appeal to Igbos across the country to stay away from the protests, and remain law abiding.
“Signed: 1) Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, leader of the South East Senate Caucus of the National Assembly, and 2) Rt Hon Igariwey Iduma Enwo, leader of the South East Caucus of the House of Representatives.”
