The Presidency has strongly condemned the proposed #IgboMustGo protest set to take place in Lagos and other Southwest states.
Senior Special Assistant on New and Digital Media to President Bola Tinubu, O’tega Ogra, criticized those inciting ethnic tensions and calling for protests against Ndigbo, labeling them as dangers to society.
Ogra emphasized the constitutional unity of Nigerians, regardless of ethnic or religious backgrounds, and urged security agencies to take action against those promoting ethnic discord.
“It is my firm and personal belief that anyone who attempts to stoke ethnic or religious tensions in Nigeria under any guise or for any reason is a disease and a danger to society and should be held accountable under the law. This behavior is extremely reckless and dangerous in a country made up of over 350+ ethnic nationalities with diverse religious beliefs,” Ogra stated on Friday.
He highlighted that Nigeria is a unified nation guided by constitutional law, where successes and tragedies are shared collectively, without discrimination based on ethnic, religious, or regional origins.
Ogra called on Nigerians to report instances of bigotry and hate speech to law enforcement agencies, stressing that President Tinubu does not condone any form of bigotry and is a leader for all Nigerians. He urged the youth not to be manipulated by those seeking to divide the nation along ethnic or religious lines.
“I plead with and urge all patriotic Nigerians to report any instances of bigotry and incendiary remarks, whether online or offline, to the appropriate law enforcement agencies. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a President and Leader for all Nigerians, as he has consistently stated, and does not condone any form of bigotry,” Ogra said.
He warned against following those who exploit ethnic and religious tensions for their gain, urging young Nigerians to reject divisive rhetoric and to stand united against propagators of hatred.
“Do not allow anyone to poison your minds against your fellow Nigerians, irrespective of your/their political leanings. I therefore call on all patriotic, young Nigerians of good conscience to condemn this behavior, no matter which political or religious affiliation we belong to,” Ogra appealed.