The counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has criticized Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, for his comments warning Ndigbo to sit at home and avoid the hunger protest to prevent being slaughtered.
Ejiofor stated that such comments from a public political figure were inappropriate and suggested that Ndigbo had become an “endangered species, even under their political leaders.”
In a statement issued to journalists on Friday, Ejiofor expressed concern over the Deputy Speaker’s suggestion that Ndigbo would be slaughtered for exercising their constitutional right to protest. He described this notion as an unfortunate reality.
The statement read, in part, “I find this statement from a prominent Igbo political figure deeply concerning, as it essentially sought to encourage Igbo to waive their constitutionally guaranteed rights.”
Ejiofor added, “If Benjamin Kalu had advised Igbo to refrain from participating in the #EndBadGovernanceProtest for any reason other than the fear of being slaughtered, I would not have criticized him as harshly, nor would many others who think critically.”
He emphasized that such remarks highlight the precarious status of Igbos in Nigeria, reinforced by their political leaders who should be combating the longstanding injustices faced by their people. He noted the historical context of Igbo people being victims of violence during times of crisis or protest, often at the hands of fellow citizens and Nigerian security forces.
Ejiofor also pointed out that the Deputy Speaker, hailing from Abia State, should be aware of the numerous innocent people who were abducted during military operations in the state and continue to face abductions.
