Chief Chekwas Okorie, the founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), explains why the Igbo community chose not to participate in recent nationwide protests against hunger and bad governance in Nigeria. He argues that the Igbo have historically suffered significant losses whenever they are involved in such actions, citing past threats and discrimination against them. Therefore, they decided to protest by staying home, a strategy he compares to Mahatma Gandhi’s nonviolent resistance. Okorie defends this approach, emphasizing that it prevented potential loss of life and property. He also discusses the need for the Igbo to engage in political processes through their own controlled political party, like APGA, to protect their interests and maintain relevance in Nigeria.
Furthermore, He argues that historically, the Igbo have been scapegoated in such movements, suffering significant losses in life and property. Citing past threats and discrimination, the Igbo community decided to protest by staying home, a strategy inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s nonviolent resistance. Okorie emphasizes that this method, which avoids direct confrontation, will be their approach going forward. He defends this strategy as a way to protect lives and assets while still expressing dissent. He also highlights the importance of political engagement, particularly through APGA, as a means for the Igbo to safeguard their interests and maintain their relevance in Nigeria. He expresses concerns about the systemic discrimination against the Igbo and the need for collaborative efforts within the South-East to address these challenges.
