Joe Igbokwe has stirred debate again, this time insisting that the ongoing violence in the South-East is not the work of Fulani herdsmen but a self-inflicted tragedy.
The APC chieftain, who hails from Nnewi in Anambra State and currently serves in Lagos, made the statement on Thursday via his Facebook page. He accused unnamed Igbo groups of deliberately fuelling unrest and shifting blame to Fulani herders.
“It is Igbo killing Igbo. It is Igbo destroying Igboland and putting the blame on Hausa/Fulani herdsmen,” Igbokwe wrote. “This is not our culture. This is sad.”
His remarks come amid renewed attacks and rising insecurity in parts of the South-East, where government offices, police stations and public infrastructure have come under frequent attack over the past year.
Igbokwe said he could no longer stay silent in the face of what he described as “blatant and pathological lies” being peddled across the region.
“These lies can no longer stand,” he added.
The outspoken politician has long been criticised by many in the region for his frequent hardline views on issues affecting the Igbo people. However, some Nigerians agree with his latest claim, saying it’s time the South-East faced uncomfortable truths.
In a follow-up post, Igbokwe also raised concern about what he sees as the rise of ethnic bigotry across the country.
“Ethnic bigotry is growing hopelessly like wildfire in Nigeria, and our eyes are not open to see the danger,” he wrote. “I pray the veil covering our eyes will be removed so that we can see clearly. Make we de play ooo.”
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