The Igbo members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos are urging Igbo communities in the state to refrain from participating in the planned nationwide protests against economic difficulties. This call was made by Joe Igbokwe, the president of the group, during a press conference held in Lagos on Tuesday.
There has been considerable debate about the upcoming protests scheduled to take place from August 1 to 10. These protests are organized by various groups who are seeking to push the government to address the increasing cost of living and the economic hardships being faced by many Nigerians.
Igbokwe is advising Igbo residents in Lagos to avoid joining these protests, referring to the severe damage and disruption experienced during the 2020 EndSARS protests. These previous protests, which were aimed at addressing police brutality and other issues, resulted in significant destruction and looting across Lagos and other parts of Nigeria.
Igbokwe highlighted that the aftermath of the 2020 protests still affects Lagos. The city is yet to fully recover from the extensive damage, significant losses, and large-scale looting that occurred. He stressed that the timing for another round of protests is not ideal given the current circumstances.
According to Igbokwe, the leadership of the APC in Lagos has already engaged with leaders of major markets in the state to discuss the issue. These markets include ASPAMDA (Association of Spare Parts Dealers), Odun-Ade Building Market, Mandilas, Lawanson, Oyingbo fridge and air conditioning markets, Berger Auto Dealers, and Yaba markets, among others.
The purpose of these discussions is to encourage market leaders and their communities to stay clear of the planned protests.
Igbokwe acknowledged the difficulties that many Nigerians are facing and recognized the tough decisions being made by the current administration to improve the country’s situation. He expressed confidence in the president’s ability to lead Nigeria effectively, based on his past experiences and track record in governance.
Despite the challenges, Igbokwe and his group remain supportive of the president and his reforms. They believe that the president’s leadership will ultimately benefit the country and bring about the promised improvements.
Igbokwe also appealed to the Igbo community in Lagos and across Nigeria to stand behind the president and support his efforts for the betterment of the nation.
He assured that the Igbo community is committed to supporting the leadership of Lagos and Nigeria, and they are optimistic about the president’s ability to navigate the country through its current difficulties.
The Igbo members of the APC in Lagos are urging their community to avoid participating in the upcoming protests due to the negative impacts witnessed from past protests. They emphasize their belief in the president’s leadership and call for unity and support for ongoing reforms aimed at improving Nigeria’s economic situation.
