By Ikenna Orioha

Igbos have been advised not to join the ongoing protest against the Federal Government over hunger, hardship, poverty and insecurity that engulf Nigeria.

This advise was giving by the Facilitator of Igbo Republican Movement (IRM), Comr. Austin-Mary Ndukwu, in a statement he signed and issued to journalists on Tuesday.

IRM said though the hardship in Nigeria calls for civil demonstration in the streets for solution and adjustment, but warned Igbos not to join other tribes to participate in the protest in order not to be used as escape goats, regretting that Igbos are sidelined and maltreated in Nigeria even without any provocation.

"No matter the groan or dissensions being heard in different quarters in Nigeria, Ndigbo must resist getting involved to avoid being used as the Sacrificial Lamb by other ethnic nationalities as it happened during the End SARS Protest. We must avoid being used as Canon Folders by the Nigerian Cabals. If it could be avoided, every Igbo person must refrain from making comments or even proffering solutions to the ongoing disenchantment in the country", Ndukwu advised.

He added that Igbo politicians across party lines must maintain a stoic silence and adopt a "Sidon Look" stance, as they watch Nigeria turns to whatever it chooses to be. "IRM will want to warn our politicians and public office holders to refrain from trying to act the 'good boy' or get blacklisted. Because this may be the long awaited time to revert fully to independent states under tribal arrangements".

"To our businessmen and women, this is not the time to use the current situation in the land to maximize excess profit to the detriment of our people. Presently, IRM volunteers have been sent out all over the South East to monitor and profile all these "Oji Obara Nwanne ha eriju afo" during these trying times. Especially the Oil Magnets, Rice, Cement Dealers, among others. Do not say you are not warned"

"The group urges Igbo breeds to remain peaceful and orderly as the storm rages in Nigeria. Igbo Republican Movement encourages all lovers of a free Igbo Nation to remain resolute, steadfast and committed towards our ideals of seeing to the creation of Igbo Nation for the survival and existence of our people, as no one cares for our membership, existence in the Nigeria Federation. Remember, we are seen as a 'Dot in the Nigerian Circle'. Let us quickly remind them that a Dot in the circle in the Igbo world view means 'Opuruiche'. That we are special, more peaceful, more successful, more coordinated and more productive and more benevolence.

"The apex socio-cultural cum political group in Igbo Land, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, which is led by Chief Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, must at this point in time, be cautious on the type of press statements it issues, so as not to jeopardize the collective will and interest of our people", IRM stated.

As a result, Ndukwu warned that any group in Igbo enclave who organizes, partakes or supports any form of protests in the South East would be seen as enemy of the people.