Obi made the remarks in a statement on Monday titled “Media Framing of Crime Along Ethnic Lines: Divisive,” where he condemned the growing tendency to stereotype ethnic groups based on the actions of a few criminal elements.
Drawing from his personal experience as an Igbo man, Obi said he understood the pain of being judged solely because of one’s ethnic origin.
“As an Igbo man, I have endured stereotypes, judgment, and labelling solely because of my ethnic origin. 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,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor expressed sympathy for ordinary Fulani people whom he said are often unfairly blamed for crimes committed by individuals who do not represent the wider ethnic group.
“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 do not represent his people,” Obi stated.
He argued that criminality should be treated as an individual act rather than an ethnic characteristic, insisting that offenders should be identified and punished under the law without extending blame to entire communities.
“Crime, however, has no ethnicity. A thief is a thief. A terrorist is a terrorist. A kidnapper is a kidnapper. They are criminals, not representatives of any people. They must be identified, arrested, prosecuted, and punished according to the law,” he said.
Obi also referenced the civil rights struggle in the United States, noting that similar experiences of stereotyping and discrimination inspired calls for people to be judged by the content of their character rather than their identity.
He urged Nigerians to reject ethnic profiling and collective blame, warning that such practices fuel division and weaken national cohesion.
“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 undermines our national unity,” he said.
Calling for greater tolerance and mutual respect among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups, Obi encouraged citizens to celebrate cultural differences while working towards a more united country.
“A new Nigeria must emerge—one where no citizen is condemned because of tribe, religion, or place of birth. We can cherish our cultural roots while standing united by justice, mutual respect, and hope for a better future,” he added.
The former presidential candidate by expressed optimism that Nigerians can build a more inclusive and united nation founded on fairness and shared values.
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