Public affairs analyst, Barrister Darlington Agomuo, has come to the defense of the Igbo ethnic group, asserting that their only so-called “crime” in Nigeria is their diligence, creativity, and relentless entrepreneurial drive.
Speaking in an interview with Voice of the People TV, Agomuo condemned what he described as persistent discrimination and hostility against the Igbo across different spheres of Nigerian life. According to him, the resentment directed at the group is not rooted in any wrongdoing but in their success and resilience.
“The people that are attacking the Igbo, they know – they are surprised. In fact, they are more than surprised that the Igbo man is who he is in terms of diligence, entrepreneurship, wisdom, intelligence,” Agomuo said.
The analyst issued a direct challenge to those who criticize or marginalize the Igbo, asking them to name a single crime the group has committed beyond demonstrating qualities such as self-reliance and intelligence.
“Is there any other crime the Igbo man has committed except these things: diligence, hard work, creativity, independence of mind? Please, somebody should call and tell me one single crime the Igbo man has committed in Nigeria except these things,” he emphasized.
Agomuo lamented that traits typically celebrated in other parts of the world have, in Nigeria, been turned into points of contention.
“So it has become a crime for you to be hardworking, diligent, creative, intelligent. This is the only crime the Igbo man has committed in Nigeria. Any other thing, somebody should come and disprove me,” he added.
Agomuo’s comments come against a backdrop of long-standing debates about ethnic relations in Nigeria, particularly the place of the Igbo in the country’s political and socio-economic landscape.
The Igbo, known for their entrepreneurial achievements and widespread presence in commerce, have often complained about marginalization in national politics and governance since the end of the civil war in 1970.
Over the decades, Igbo leaders and organizations such as Ohanaeze Ndigbo have repeatedly called for fairness, equity, and inclusion, especially regarding power-sharing arrangements at the federal level. Despite these calls, many in the Southeast argue that their region continues to face systemic neglect and underrepresentation.
Agomuo’s fiery defense adds to ongoing conversations about unity and nation-building in Nigeria. His remarks highlight the tension between merit and resentment, as well as the struggle to transform ethnic diversity into a source of strength rather than division.
Political commentators note that the Igbo have excelled in virtually every sphere they enter, from business to education, technology, and entertainment. However, this success often fuels rivalry and suspicion, especially in competitive environments.
For many Nigerians on social media, Agomuo’s words struck a chord, sparking discussions about the root causes of ethnic mistrust and the need for reconciliation. Some praised him for speaking boldly about uncomfortable truths, while others argued that all ethnic groups face their own forms of stereotyping and marginalization.
In his closing remarks, Agomuo urged Nigerians to rise above prejudice and embrace the positive attributes of every ethnic group. He insisted that the country cannot achieve its full potential if certain groups are continually punished for their excellence.
“Nigeria should be proud of the Igbo for their resourcefulness, not antagonize them. What we need is cooperation, not suspicion. That is how we can move forward as one nation,” he concluded.
