Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has come under fire from the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, for demanding President Bola Tinubu’s resignation.
In light of recent political events in the UK involving the resignation of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Ohanaeze has spoken out against what it claims to be remarks made by Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra state, in which he allegedly demanded that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu step down.
The pan-Igbo group said it wanted to make its position on national unity, governance, development, and political duty crystal clear, and it also wanted to address other issues.
Mr. Peter Obi has been criticised by Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide for his analogy and subsequent resignation, which are seen as politically incorrect and not based on a proper context.
Although the group recognised his right to free speech, they emphasised that his remarks do not represent the Igbo nation’s or the Southeast geopolitical zone’s collective will, political direction, or strategic interests.
To that end, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has categorically distanced the Igbo people from the aforementioned demand that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria step down.
Its factional Deputy President-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Professor Chibuikeya Achoakawa, released a statement to the press on Monday that contained this information.
Specifically addressing the Southeast region, Ohanaeze brought emphasis to the fact that it recognised the continuing federal interventions in the development of national infrastructure.
The group also paid appreciation to Engr. David Umahi, Minister of Works, for his work overseeing federal road improvements, which has led to better connectivity and restored investor confidence in the area.
The group took note of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Badagry-Sokoto Highway Corridor, and the larger Trans-African Highway integration framework with cautious optimism, noting that these critical infrastructure projects are still moving forward.
Ohanaeze reaffirmed that long-term investments in infrastructure are crucial for economic growth, regional equity, and national integration.
The group went on to say that fiscal changes, increased diaspora remittances, and better oil income performance were to thank for the reported improvement in Nigeria’s external reserves, which came to about $50.81 billion.
If these trends continue, they have the potential to boost investor confidence, currency performance, and macroeconomic stability, as pointed out by Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
The gradual restoration of public life, greater commercial activity, and social reintegration are all outcomes of the relative improvements in security conditions across areas of the Southeast, which are acknowledged by Ohanaeze.
For the purpose of establishing lasting peace and avoiding a return to instability, the group advocates for ongoing cooperation between the federal government and regional partners.
Responsibility in leadership, restraint in public speech, and the absence of language that can inflame political friction are the pillars upon which Nigeria’s democratic stability rests, according to the group.
“Although Ohanaeze is urging all political players, especially those with national clout, to be calm, encourage discussion, and put national unity ahead of partisanship,
“Excludes the Igbo people from demands that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu resign;”
“Keeps the Southeast’s ongoing federal infrastructure interventions in mind;”
“Commends initiatives to enhance national economic indicators and stability in the region;”
“Calls on political actors to maintain civility, maturity, and a sense of national duty in their public speeches.”