Crime Has No Ethnicity, Peter Obi Tells Nigerians

Obi, who is Igbo, made the remarks in a post on X on Monday, saying he has endured judgement and labelling based solely on his ethnic origins.

“As an Igbo man, I have endured stereotypes, judgement, and labelling solely based on my ethnic origins,” Obi wrote.

“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.”

Obi said he understands the pain of the ordinary Fulani man who is often unfairly judged by the actions of criminals he does not support.

“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.

“Even in America, such unjust labelling fuelled 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.”

The former Anambra State Governor stated that 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,” Obi said.

“They must be identified, arrested, and punished according to the law.”

Obi urged Nigerians to abandon the 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,” he said.

He called on Nigerians to celebrate the country’s diverse cultures, talents and contributions rather than falling prey to stereotypes and prejudices exploited by politicians.

“A new Nigeria must emerge—one where no citizen is condemned because of tribe, religion, or birthplace,” Obi said.

“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: “A new Nigeria is within our reach.”

Obi’s statement comes against a backdrop of persistent ethnic tensions in Nigeria, where incidents of banditry, kidnapping and farmer-herder clashes frequently result in online and media discourse that generalises blame along tribal lines.