David Umahi, the Minister of Works, strongly criticized Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, arguing that Obi does not represent or speak on behalf of the Igbo people. Umahi advised Obi to refrain from allegedly inciting the youth of the South-East region against the administration of President Bola Tinubu, particularly ahead of the planned nationwide protests scheduled for August 1st.
Umahi spoke on Wednesday during the Ebonyi State Youth and Stakeholders Summit held at the Christian Ecumenical Centre in Abakaliki.
According to Daily Post, he said, “Let me make this clear: His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi, does not speak for Ndigbo. Our governors, Ohaneze Ndigbo, and our traditional rulers are our leaders; they speak for us. Let the enemies of Ndigbo hear this loud and clear: our governors and Ohaneze Ndigbo are the mouthpieces of Ndigbo.”
Umahi made it clear that the true leaders and spokespeople for the Igbo people are the state governors, the Ohaneze Ndigbo organization, and the traditional rulers. He urged the public not to equate the views of one individual (Obi) with the collective position of the Igbo community. Umahi emphasized that the Igbo people are a peaceful group who continue to support President Tinubu’s administration.
Echoing Umahi’s sentiments, Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru urged the youth of his state not to participate in the nationwide protests against economic hardship. Nwifuru assured the young people that his administration is diligently working to address their concerns and improve the lives of all Ebonyi citizens. He pledged that his government would always be attentive to the demands, requests and aspirations of the state’s youth population.
Other prominent Ebonyi leaders, including former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, former Governor Martin Elechi, as well as representatives from the labor unions and student groups, also voiced their opposition to the planned protests. They argued that the protesters do not truly represent the interests of Nigerian youth, and that President Tinubu’s administration will overcome any opposition as it seeks to address the concerns of the country’s citizens…Seē _ Morē