As Nigeria grapples with the aftermath of the “10 days of rage” protests, the conspicuous absence of all five southeast states from the demonstrations has sparked intense debate.
Despite violence and arson in Kano, Kaduna, Abuja, Gombe, and other parts of the country, Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Imo have maintained a stoic silence, leaving organizers and onlookers stunned.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu’s recent speech may have influenced the southeast states’ decision, as he urged the people to shun protests and embrace dialogue.
Tinubu is working for all
Kalu highlighted President Tinubu’s efforts to create an additional state in the region, stating:
“Aside from our supportive legislative activities, President Tinubu has implemented bold reforms to stabilize the economy… The unification of the FOREX market and redirecting funds to critical sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure have boosted investor confidence, making the Nigerian Stock Exchange, the NGX, one of the top-performing stock exchanges globally.”
Additionally, Kalu emphasized the government’s efforts in strengthening national security: “We have freed over 4,600 hostages, neutralized over 9,300 hostiles, and arrested over 7,000 terrorists and bandits.”
Abia State Governor Alex Otti also discouraged participation in the protests, crediting peaceful state movements for the region’s infrastructural renewal.
Gov. Otti speaks against protests
In a statewide broadcast, Gov.Otti stated:
“Engaging in any negative or disruptive actions in the state is not necessary… I urge parents, communities, and religious leaders to join hands in persuading their children, subjects, and followers on the need to distance themselves from any acts capable of endangering the fragile peace in the state in particular and the country at large.”
Obi offers moral support
In contrast, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, who received overwhelming support in the southeast during the last election, had expressed moral support for the protests.
During a visit to Governor Otti, Obi acknowledged the constitutionality of protests, urging demonstrators to remain law-abiding and civil:
“All I plead for is that those who are protesting do so within the law and in a civil manner that allows us as a nation to show that we live within the law… Everyone is aware of the challenging circumstances and the simplicity of the protest’s sponsors, noting that hunger and hopelessness among the youth have prompted the need for demonstrations.”
However, analysts speculate that the southeast states’ absence from the protests might indicate a subtle disagreement with Obi’s stance.
By not participating, the region may be signaling a divergence from Obi’s views, which had resonated strongly with them during the last general elections.
