Tallest, socio-political advocate and public affairs commentator, has issued a powerful statement calling on Nigerian leaders, the Federal Government, and the international community to urgently address the growing trend of ethnic profiling against the Igbo people across the globe.
In his open letter titled “Redefining the Narrative: A Call for Responsibility, Justice, and Unity,” Tallest decries the dangerous habit of associating entire ethnic groups with the criminal actions of a few individuals. He describes such profiling as “a cancer to national unity and global coexistence,” warning that its continuation could have long-term diplomatic, economic, and psychological effects on future generations of Igbos in the diaspora.
“Just as it is wrong to stereotype all Fulani as violent herders, it is equally dangerous and unjust to label all Igbos as criminals. Crime is a personal choice, not an ethnic trait,” he stated.
Referencing reports from countries such as Malaysia, Vietnam, China, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa, he expressed concern about how isolated criminal incidents involving Nigerians of Igbo descent are increasingly being used to generalize an entire ethnic group. Innocent cited a recent viral video of a Malaysian police officer naming Igbos as the alleged source of drug trafficking, and criticized the silence of Igbo leaders in the face of such public defamation.
He challenged Ohanaeze Ndigbo, South-East governors, traditional rulers, and federal lawmakers of Igbo origin to rise and defend the dignity of their people, stating:
“Silence in the face of condemnation can be mistaken for consent. Leadership must step in now to protect the identity and future of Ndigbo.”
He also urged for sensitivity in the cultural practices of Nigerians abroad, such as the unregulated installation of Eze Ndigbo in foreign cities, noting that such traditions must be introduced with humility, context, and respect for host cultures.
Addressing his Yoruba and Hausa brothers and sisters, Tallest cautioned against allowing political divisions—especially from the last general elections—to deepen ethnic hostility.
“Let us not allow political rivalry between Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and Bola Tinubu to become a weapon for ethnic hatred. What affects Igbos today may affect others tomorrow,” he warned.
He further called on the Federal Government, Nigerian embassies, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to respond swiftly and diplomatically whenever Nigerian citizens are profiled abroad. “This is a national issue, not an ethnic one,” he said.
Finally, Tallest reminded Igbo youths and elders alike of the legacy they carry—from Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe to Chinua Achebe, Ojukwu, Flora Nwapa, and Phillip Emeagwali—urging them to reclaim the name and honour of Ndigbo worldwide.
“Let wrongdoers be called out. Let truth be spoken. Let dignity be restored,” he concluded.
