• Urges Celebration Of Diverse Cultures, Talents, Contributions

The presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Party (NDC) and former governor of Anambra State Peter Obi has condemned what he described as the ethnicization of crimes that often leads to the blanket condemnation of entire tribes because of the negative inclination of a few individuals.

Obi, in a post on his social media platform used his own experience as a reference point to throw light on the issue.

He said, “As an Igbo man, I have endured stereotypes, judgements and labelling solely based on my ethnic origins. This is not an isolated Igbo experience. Most Nigerians have, at some point, been reduced to their ethnicity rather than recognised for their true character.

I understand the pain of the ordinary Fulani man today, often unfairly judged by the actions of criminals he does not support, has never met, and who are not representative of his people.

Even in America, such unjust labelling fueled the civil rights movement and prompted Martin Luther King Jr. to declare that people should be judged by the content of their character, not the colour of their skin. 

Every Nigerian ethnic group is known for its unique traditions, occupations, skills, and strengths. Crime, however, has no ethnicity. A thief is a thief. A terrorist is a terrorist. A kidnapper is a kidnapper. They are bad actors, not representatives of any people. They must be identified, arrested, and punished according to the law. 

We must decisively abandon the dangerous practice of blaming entire ethnic groups for the actions of a few criminals. It is unjust, it breeds hatred, and it damages our national unity. 

Let us proudly celebrate our diverse cultures, talents, and contributions, rather than falling prey to stereotypes and prejudices that politicians and divisive interests exploit for their gain. 

A new Nigeria must emerge-one where no citizen is condemned because of tribe, religion, or birthplace. We can cherish our cultural roots while standing united by justice, mutual respect, and hope for a better future. We are capable of this.

A new Nigeria is within our reach”.