**Date:** September 5, 2023
The Igbo Youths Movement (IYM), a prominent youth organization in the South Eastern region of Nigeria, has called upon politicians and individuals involved in sowing discord between the Igbo ethnic group and other communities to reconsider their actions. IYM emphasized that the Igbo people are not in conflict with other ethnic groups or tribes.
In a statement issued by Evangelist Elliot Ugochukwu-Uko, the Founder of IYM, the organization strongly refuted the false narrative that Ndigbo (Igbo people) are engaged in hostilities with certain regions, communities, individuals, institutions, or political leaders. Ugochukwu-Uko, who also serves as the Secretary of the Eastern Consultative Assembly (ECA) and the Deputy Secretary of Igbo Leaders of Thought (ILT), expressed concern about the propagation of these baseless claims, which have been fueled by ignorance and the exploitation of unemployed youths acting as propaganda agents on social media.
According to Ugochukwu-Uko, these young individuals, while dissatisfied with the existing system, have unwittingly become tools in the hands of unscrupulous politicians who manipulate them for personal gain. The IYM founder warned that this manipulation has been used to create division between Ndigbo and other Nigerians, deepening ethnic and religious divides and promoting hate, intolerance, dichotomy, and prejudice that could harm the future of these young people.
Ugochukwu-Uko criticized the divisive narrative that certain candidates are “divinely ordained” or the “only acceptable candidate” while vilifying others as “unfit and horrific.” He noted that this rhetoric, employed during elections over six months ago, continues to persist, contributing to a culture of hate and intolerance.
The IYM leader urged a change in approach, emphasizing the importance of unity and seeking a consensual restructuring of Nigeria. He stressed that restructuring is a crucial project that can improve the country and the lives of its citizens, and presenting the Igbo people as sore losers or power-hungry individuals is not accurate.
Ugochukwu-Uko highlighted that Ndigbo seek a functional Nigeria characterized by merit and egalitarianism. He clarified that the Igbo people do not claim exclusive knowledge or wisdom in rebuilding the country, nor do they reject election results or tribunal judgments that do not favor their preferred candidates. Additionally, he emphasized that Ndigbo do not assert ownership over other people’s land or dictate political outcomes in other regions. The IYM’s message is one of unity, cooperation, and a commitment to a better Nigeria for all.
