Crime Has No Tribe – Peter Obi

Peter Obi

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has cautioned against the growing trend of linking criminal activities to ethnic groups. He recently had his say via a post issued on his verified X handle, and Nigerians have been reacting.

Describing such narratives as divisive and harmful to national unity, Obi said that Nigerians should resist the temptation to judge entire communities by the actions of a few criminals.

Stressing that crime has no ethnic identity, Peter added that several Fulani people are currently facing similar prejudices because of the actions of criminal elements who do not represent their communities.

His words, “As an Igbo man, I have endured stereotypes, judgment, and labelling 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 recognised 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.

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.

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, and hope for a better future. We are capable of this.

A new Nigeria is within our reach.”

WOW.