Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has warned Igbos to stay away from the planned nationwide protest against hunger, high cost of living, and hyperinflation, warning that they will be wasted.
Featuring on ABN TV’s Political Perspective, Kalu representing Bende federal constituency of Abia State said the blood of Igbos have been spilled so long a time and must henceforth be avoided.
Some groups across the country have been drumming for support on social media to draw the attention of the federal government to what they tag as escalating hardship, increasing cost of living, and a drastic reduction in living standards, as well as insecurity.
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The federal government in response to the planned protest has however urged the organizers to consider dropping the plan, saying the President Bola Tinubu-led administration is making efforts to address their demands.
Recall that the federal government had approved the release of 20 trucks of rice to each of the 36 states of the federation for distribution among needy citizens.
Additionally, the government has also approved the N70,000 minimum wage bill brought before it by the National Assembly for commencement of implementation, a policy believed to be aiming at enhancing the take-home pay of workers across the country.
Also, the federal government said it has set up centres for citizens to purchase 50kg of rice at a 50% discounted race to help families have more to feed.
The Deputy Speaker however believes there is no need to embark on the protest, as the federal government is making efforts to address the economic challenges facing the country.
He therefore urged Igbos to stay away, because they will be wasted.
He told Igbos, “Igbos stay away, Igbos stay in your houses, they will target you and they will waste you.
“Igbos you have died enough. Our blood has filled the street enough. Allow those who feel they can do it, let them go and do it. We will be strong enough, for this protest, let us be weak, let those who are strong stand in the street.
“Igbos be weak now, it is the only sit-at-home that will be effective, not the one you do on Mondays”, he stated.
He said, “They are looking for opportunity to slaughter you”, without specifically mentioning who the “they” were.
Many Igbo groups have said they will not be part of the protest, including Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council.
