June 12 Protest: Ohanaeze Secretary-General Advises Southeast to Refrain

The Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, has declared that the South-East region will not participate in the planned nationwide protests scheduled to take place on June 12, Nigeria’s Democracy Day.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Isiguzoro warned that the region must not be dragged into actions that could jeopardize the fragile peace and security currently being maintained. According to him, the decision was informed by historical incidents where Igbo communities suffered severe consequences during previous mass protests in the country.

“We have decided that the South-East will not partake in the June 12 protests. Igbos will not be used again as sacrificial lambs in national uprisings,” Isiguzoro said.

He referenced past demonstrations such as the 1978 “Ali Must Go” protests, the anti-SAP riots of 1989, the June 12 demonstrations in 1993, the 2012 Occupy Nigeria protests, and the 2020 End SARS movement — all of which he said led to disproportionate casualties in the region.

Isiguzoro urged youth and activists in the region to seek peaceful and constructive ways of addressing national concerns, warning that any protest in the South-East could be hijacked by criminal elements.

“We must learn from history and protect our people. Given the security challenges in the region, any protest could escalate into violence. We are therefore urging our people to stay away,” he added.

The Ohanaeze chieftain advised those in the diaspora and across the country to avoid being lured into what he described as politically-motivated disruptions that may not reflect the genuine interests of the people.

The June 12 protest is being promoted by some civil society groups and political activists who are calling attention to growing economic hardship, insecurity, and perceived governance failures.

While the protests have gained traction in parts of the country, the Southeast appears to be opting for a cautious approach, prioritizing safety and community protection over confrontation.