Peter Obi Condemns Ethnic Profiling, Insists Crime Has No Tribe
Former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has issued a strong condemnation of the rising tide of ethnic profiling in Nigeria, asserting that criminality possesses no tribal identity.
Speaking via his verified social media account on Monday, Obi cautioned Nigerians against the dangerous trend of attributing the actions of a few individuals to entire ethnic groups. He emphasized that while every culture has its unique attributes, crime remains a purely individual act that should not serve as a basis for collective judgment.
Drawing from his personal experiences, the former governor noted that he has endured stereotypes and unfair labels based on his Igbo origin. He argued that many Fulani communities are currently suffering similar prejudices due to the criminal activities of a minority that do not represent their people.
“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,” Obi stated. He maintained that a thief remains a thief regardless of background, and terrorists or kidnappers are simply “bad actors” who must be identified and punished individually by the law.
Referencing the legacy of American civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., Obi called on Nigerians to judge one another based on character rather than ethnicity or religion. He urged citizens to reject divisive narratives exploited by politicians, warning that ethnic profiling breeds hatred and undermines national unity.
Obi advocated for a “new Nigeria” where no citizen is condemned because of their tribe, birthplace, or faith, stressing that the nation can only progress when citizens are united by justice and mutual respect rather than divided by prejudice.
