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Alleges Framing of Crime along Ethnic Lines
- Safiu Kehinde
The 2027 Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, has claimed being stereotyped over his Igbo origin.
Obi made the claim in a statement issued on his X handle on Monday.
As contained in the statement titled “Media Framing of Crime Along Ethnic Lines: Divisive”, the former Anambra governor cited his experience while decrying the ethnic profiling of Fulanis as being responsible for the insecurity in the country.
Obi alleged that the Fulanis are being unfairly judged by actions of criminals.
“As an Igbo man, I have endured stereotypes, judgment, 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.” He said.
Likening the situation to racism in America which birthed civil rights movement, Obi advocated against blaming an entire ethnic group for criminal actions.
He called for identification and prosecution of the crime perpetrators in accordance to the law.
“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.” He said.
The former Anambra governor warned against stereotyping and prejudice.
“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.” He added.
Meanwhile, Obi’s claim of being stereotyped had sparked mixed reactions from netizens.
The NDC Presidential candidate drew both commendation and condemnation as netizens commented over the statement.