Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Chibuzor Obimma, the Spiritual Director of the Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry Uke and the Parish Priest of the Blessed Iwene Tansi Parish Umudioka in Anambra State, has shed light on the conditions under which the Igbo community would actively participate in nationwide protests. According to Obimma, the Igbo people would be more likely to join demonstrations aimed at promoting political causes, such as the election of an Igbo president or the release of Nnamdi Kanu, rather than those focused solely on economic hardships.
Speaking to the Sun, Obimma stated, “If the protest were to facilitate Nigerian president of Igbo extraction, I would support it, and Igbo people will join. If the protest were to facilitate the release of Nnamdi Kanu; I would champion it. If the protest were to ensure equity, justice and fair play among ethnic nationalities in the country, I would support it and, of course, Igbo people and the Southeast will join such protest.”
The Spiritual Director emphasized that the Igbo community would be more motivated to engage in mass demonstrations if the cause aligned with their political aspirations, such as securing the presidency for an Igbo candidate or advocating for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, a prominent Igbo activist. Obimma also expressed support for protests aimed at ensuring fairness and justice for all ethnic groups in Nigeria, indicating that the Igbo people would readily join such demonstrations.
However, Obimma clarified that the Igbo community would not take part in protests focused solely on economic hardships, asserting that they are financially capable of withstanding high fuel prices or expensive staple foods. “But since such rallies were meant to protest extreme hunger in the land, Igbo will not join because they are not hungry. If the price of fuel is N10,000 per litre, Igbo people can afford it. If a bag of rice is N200,000 per 50kg, Igbo people will not stop eating rice,” he stated.
Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Chibuzor Obimma’s remarks provide insight into the factors that would drive the Igbo community to actively participate in nationwide protests. The Spiritual Director’s emphasis on political causes, such as the election of an Igbo president or the release of Nnamdi Kanu, indicates that the Igbo people are more likely to join demonstrations aligned with their aspirations for representation and justice….Seê – Morê