Peter Obi condemns ethnic profiling, says crime has no tribe

Presidential candidate Peter Obi has strongly cautioned against the growing trend of associating criminal activities with specific ethnic groups, labeling such narratives as divisive and detrimental to national unity. In a statement on his X handle, Obi urged Nigerians to resist the temptation to judge entire communities based on the actions of a few criminals, asserting that crime transcends ethnic boundaries.

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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.

Obi shared his personal experience of enduring stereotypes and judgment based on his Igbo origin, noting that this is not an isolated experience for many Nigerians. He drew parallels with the struggles of many Fulani people who face prejudice due to the actions of criminal elements they do not support or represent. "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," he stated.

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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.

Drawing inspiration from civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.'s message in the United States, Obi recalled the advocate's call to judge individuals by the content of their character. He argued that while Nigeria's ethnic groups possess unique cultures, skills, and contributions, criminality should never be attributed to any tribe. "A thief is a thief. A terrorist is a terrorist. A kidnapper is a kidnapper. They are bad actors, not representatives of any people," Obi declared.

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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.

He urged Nigerians to decisively abandon the dangerous practice of blaming entire ethnic groups for the actions of a few, warning that such practices fuel hatred and undermine national unity. Obi called for a celebration of Nigeria's diversity, rather than allowing ethnic stereotypes to be exploited for political gain, advocating for a nation where citizens are judged by their actions and character.

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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.