The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has strongly criticised the appearance of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, at the annual Odenigbo Lectures held at Assumpta Cathedral in Owerri, Imo State, stating that it was politically motivated.
Ohanaeze stated that El-Rufai was met with outright rejection by attendees, describing him as a “political pariah” unworthy of addressing the gathering.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Deputy President-General, and Thompson Ohia, National Spokesman, the organisation said the outrage was driven by memories of alleged atrocities committed against Christians in Southern Kaduna during El-Rufai’s time in office.
“El-Rufai’s ill-advised decision to participate in the Odenigbo lectures was likely motivated by two ambitions: to rewrite the troubled history of his administration and to gauge the political waters of the Igbo people in hopes of reconstructing the political bridges he so recklessly damaged,” Isiguzoro said.
He alleged that more than 2,570 Igbo Christians lost their lives and that investments worth approximately ₦2.3 trillion were destroyed during El-Rufai’s tenure.
The group also noted that families of victims of church burnings and killings in Southern Kaduna were present at the event, which sparked intense protests that ultimately forced El-Rufai to exit the venue.
“The vociferous protests were not mere demonstrations of discontent; they were powerful expressions of collective grief and outrage,” the group said.
Ohanaeze warned political parties against considering El-Rufai for any future running mate position, stating that his record renders him unacceptable to the Igbo community.
The group further demanded that El-Rufai publicly admit to his alleged role in the Southern Kaduna killings and issue an unreserved apology to the Igbo people.
“Only through such an act of contrition may he hope to seek redemption for his transgressions,” the group said.
Ohanaeze concluded by affirming its commitment to justice, pledging that the Igbo would remain vigilant and steadfast in amplifying the voices of the oppressed.
