Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the foremost socio-cultural group representing the Igbo community, has voiced serious concerns regarding the statements and behaviour of Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy.
The organization accused Onanuga of fostering animosity toward the Igbo people.
In a statement issued by Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the group criticized Onanuga for his provocative comments concerning upcoming nationwide protests, which he suggested were orchestrated by supporters of Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, insinuating that the Igbo were the main instigators.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo urged the government to prioritize the development of policies and initiatives that address the hardships faced by all citizens, rather than resorting to threats and divisive rhetoric.
Dr. Ogbonnia highlighted Onanuga’s history of making derogatory remarks towards the Igbo community, referencing a statement from March 19, 2023, in which Onanuga warned the Igbo against involvement in Lagos politics.
The organization emphasized that the widespread challenges currently facing the nation stem from entrenched systemic issues and marginalization, necessitating inclusive and thoughtful solutions.
Part of the statement read: “Ohanaeze Ndigbo perceives Onanuga’s troubling attitude towards anything related to the Igbo as thoughtless, offensive, and rooted in deep-seated animosity.”
“It is essential for Onanuga to recognize that Nigerians from all regions—North, South, East, and West—are suffering from various forms of hardship: extreme poverty, the devaluation of the naira, rampant kidnappings, banditry, conflicts between farmers and herders, severe insecurity, unemployment, and rising living costs. The current struggles in Nigeria transcend ethnic lines.”
The statement concluded by emphasizing the need for the presidency to implement policies, programs, and initiatives that resonate with and uplift the marginalized, oppressed, and dispossessed, including the supporters of Peter Obi.
