Peter Obi, a former Governor of Anambra State, has cautioned against labeling an entire ethnic group based on crimes perpetrated by a minute group of individuals from that group, saying such a move is divisive, News.ng reports.
Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), recalled how he was treated and labelled because of his ethnic background and the erroneous perceptions people have of those from his ethnic origin.
Addressing this stigma, the former governor urged that individuals who engage in criminality should be treated as such and not judged as representatives of an entire ethnic group.
He said, “As an Igbo man, I have endured stereotypes, judgment, and labeling 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 recognized 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.”
He called on the public to put a stop to the practice of criticizing an ethnic group for the criminal actions of a few individuals, saying it creates an atmosphere of hatred and puts the country’s national unity on a dangerous path.
“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.”
