The Igbo members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos have urged Igbo communities in the state to boycott the planned nationwide protests against economic hardship in the country.

The group’s president, Joe Igbokwe, made the call at a media briefing in Lagos on Tuesday.

There have been controversies around some groups planning a protest nationwide from August 1 to 10 to demand the government’s solutions to the rising cost of living and economic hardship.

Mr Igbokwe urged all Igbos living in Lagos, including residents, not to participate or join the protest, citing the mayhem they witnessed in 2020.

He noted that this was because they were yet to recover from the colossal damage, losses, and massive looting in Lagos and across Nigeria

“Given our experience on the 2020 EndSARS protest that led to unprecedented destruction across Nigeria, especially Lagos state, we do not think that the timing is good for Nigeria.

“The leadership of APC in Lagos State has spoken to the leadership of all major markets in the state.

“These markets were namely ASPAMDA, Odun-Ade Building Market, Mandilas, Lawanson and Oyingbo fridge and air conditioning markets, Berger Auto Dealers, and Yaba markets, just to mention.

“This is because we are yet to recover from the colossal damage, losses, and massive looting in Lagos and across Nigeria,” the president said.

Mr Igbokwe said the Igbos were aware of the hard decisions being taken to reposition Nigeria and the massive reforms being carried out by the president.

He added that given his track records in matters of leadership and governance, they did not doubt that the president would lead Nigeria to the promised land.

Mr Igbokwe, however, appealed to the Igbo community in Lagos and all Igbos in Nigeria to support the president for the good of the Commonwealth.

He said they remained committed and loyal to the leaderships of Lagos and Nigeria.

“We pledge our support for the reforms the president is pushing, and given his antecedents and deep knowledge in matters of leadership and governance, we know he will not fail,” he added.

(NAN)