Ohanaeze Ndigbo Accuses New York Times of Fueling Anti-Igbo Propaganda in “Screwdriver Trader” Report

 

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has strongly criticised a recent report by the United States-based New York Times, describing it as misleading, inflammatory and reminiscent of historical media narratives that stoked ethnic tensions against the Igbo people.

The New York Times article reportedly portrayed an Igbo man, Emeka Umeagbalasi—described as a “screwdriver seller” from Onitsha—as a key source of intelligence for United States military action in Nigeria.

In a statement sent to Daily Times and signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and Chief Chinyereze Ohia, the group’s National Spokesman, the organisation dismissed claims suggesting that Igbo individuals played any role in providing intelligence to the United States in its counterterrorism operations in Nigeria, including recent airstrikes targeting ISIS elements in Sokoto State.

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According to the organisation, the framing of the report is not only implausible but also dangerously evocative of past propaganda used to incite ethnic suspicion and violence.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo noted that the report “mirrors the insidious propaganda campaign that fueled ethnic tensions leading up to the tragic events of 1966. We find this narrative, particularly the timing and context of its dissemination, deeply troubling. The article’s assertion that this individual influenced President Trump’s actions is not only far-fetched but also demonstrably designed to incite tribal animosity and suspicion against the Igbo population, particularly those residing in Northern Nigeria. We note that the publication is supported by Nigerian freelance photographer, Taiwo Aina.”

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo firmly believes that The New York Times, a reputable media organization, should not allow itself to be manipulated into disseminating unsubstantiated and potentially inflammatory reports. Such reports, like the one in question, can have devastating consequences, fostering ethnic division and unrest within Nigeria. The ludicrous portrayal of an Onitsha-based trader acting as a crucial intelligence asset is patently absurd and, frankly, insulting. It is a clear attempt to resurrect the age-old tactic of scapegoating the Igbo for the problems of Nigeria,” The organisation further stated.

Addressing broader implications of the report, Ohanaeze said: “Firstly, the Igbo are not the originators or primary proponents of the narrative of Christian persecution in Nigeria, despite the undeniable presence of Igbo casualties within such incidents. Numerous organizations and religious groups, encompassing both non-Igbo entities within the Northern region and diaspora-based Christian and civil rights advocates, have been instrumental in raising awareness about Christian persecution. Why, we must ask, has The New York Times chosen to single out an Igbo individual in this context? What is their true motivation? Are US lobbyists involved in this orchestrated campaign?”

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The organisation also invoked historical grievances, stating: “The haunting memories of the 1966 pogrom against the Igbo remain etched in our collective consciousness. We are acutely aware of the detrimental role played by certain international media organizations, who wrongfully portrayed the January 15, 1966, coup as an ‘Igbo Coup,’ a narrative that contributed to the subsequent July 1966 counter-coup and the ensuing genocide. The New York Times article, therefore, follows a similar dangerous path. Since 1966, the Igbo have repeatedly been unfairly blamed for the woes of Nigeria. Never again shall any international media organization be allowed to utilize the Igbo as scapegoats.”

“In light of these undeniable facts,” Ohanaeze Ndigbo demanded that The New York Times issue “an immediate and unreserved apology” for publishing what it described as a “deliberately misleading and potentially dangerous article,” and that the report be retracted. The group warned that it would hold the publication accountable for any escalation of tensions arising from the report, particularly in Northern Nigeria.

The organisation urged Igbo civil rights groups to exercise restraint and “refrain from commenting on security matters pertaining to the US-Nigeria collaboration against ISIS and other terrorist groups,” cautioning that such interventions could be “twisted out of proportion or used to justify the article.”