Barr. Dr Emeka Emekesiri, has responded to Elempe Dele’s post regarding the Igbo people’s decision not to participate in the ongoing hunger protest against the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Emekesiri stated, “Dear Mr. Elempe Dele, I want to respond to your post. I speak as an Igbo man from the Eastern Nigeria. I am speaking the mind of Igbo people by the authority of the Igbo Leaders who instructed us not to participate in the protest.
“I have read through your submission and questions regarding the refusal of the Igbo people to participate in the ongoing hunger protest against the Federal Government of Nigeria. You referred to a question asked by Senator Shehu Sanni: ‘Why did the South East refuse to protest?’
“I expect that you know the rule of human rights law about freedom of association and freedom of conscience. Our decision not to participate in the protest is our right. We do not see any reason to protest against hunger in Nigeria.
“Contrary to your insinuation about being well off, the Igbo people are not better off than other ethnic nationalities because we are affected by the same Nigerian system. All of us are suffering the same pains and hardship in Nigeria.
“The only little advantage we have is that we have got used to suffering in hunger, persecution, maltreatment, discrimination, and deep hatred for being Igbo. The truth is that you and other Nigerians may turn around to blame the Igbo people for this Protest. I will not be surprised if other Nigerians fabricate some stories to accuse or blame the Igbo people for the Protest. Thank you.