The Methodist Archbishop of Okigwe Archdiocese and Bishop of Okigwe Diocese, Rt Rev. Biereonwu Livinus Onuagha, has stated that the Igbo people have no reason to protest, asserting that they have already endured and survived numerous challenges.
Archbishop Onuagha described Nigeria as a polarized nation where protests are unlikely to succeed due to a lack of unity and effective leadership.
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He cautioned that any protest would likely be hijacked, with Igbos unfairly blamed for any negative outcomes.
“It is better for all Igbo people to stay in their homes. We are not protesting anything,” he said. “They have done all they could to Ndigbo, and the Igbo man does not have any problem again in Nigeria.”
He highlighted the historical and ongoing marginalization of the Igbo people, citing the disproportionate number of states in the South-East geopolitical zone and the neglect of critical infrastructure such as the railway system.
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“They have dealt with us so much and so badly that there is nothing left to protest. What are we protesting for that they have not done to us in the past? Is it the marginalization or what? They have six states in all other geopolitical zones, but we have five. They removed the only rail line we had, and they haven’t replaced it like in other parts of the country.”
Archbishop Onuagha emphasized the resilience of the Igbo people, noting their ability to thrive independently of government support.
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He urged Igbos to refrain from participating in protests, deeming them futile.
“For me, everybody should stay at home. Let others protest and tell us the result,” he concluded.
