Former Anambra State Governor and 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has condemned the growing trend of linking criminal activities to specific ethnic groups, describing the practice as divisive and harmful to national unity.
In a statement shared on his X account, Obi revealed that he has personally experienced stereotypes, prejudice, and unfair judgment because of his Igbo background, stressing that such experiences are common among many Nigerians regardless of ethnicity.
The former governor noted that ordinary Fulani people are increasingly being unfairly stigmatized for crimes committed by a few individuals who neither represent nor reflect the values of the wider ethnic group.
According to Obi, criminality should never be associated with any ethnic nationality, insisting that offenders must be judged solely by their actions.
“A thief is a thief. A terrorist is a terrorist. A kidnapper is a kidnapper. They are bad actors, not representatives of any people,” he stated.
Drawing inspiration from the ideals of American civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr., Obi emphasized the need for Nigerians to judge one another based on character and conduct rather than ethnic identity.
He argued that every ethnic group in Nigeria is distinguished by its unique traditions, occupations, skills, and contributions to national development, while crime remains a universal problem that transcends ethnic boundaries.
Obi warned that branding entire communities because of the actions of a few individuals only fuels division, deepens mistrust, and weakens efforts to build a united nation.
He called on Nigerians to embrace the country’s cultural diversity, reject ethnic stereotyping, and recommit themselves to the principles of justice, fairness, mutual respect, and national cohesion.
“Most Nigerians have, at some point, been reduced to their ethnicity rather than recognised for their true character,” Obi said, urging citizens and the media to avoid narratives that promote ethnic profiling.
The NDC presidential hopeful maintained that criminals should be identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law, regardless of their ethnic origin.
Comments