The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has accused the federal government of marginalizing Igbos in Nigeria. The President General of the group, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, expressed these concerns in a statement released yesterday.
He highlighted several issues to support his claims. He noted that the South East has fewer states compared to other regions, fewer ministerial positions despite the federal character principle, the ongoing detention of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, and the destruction of Igbo businesses and properties.
Iwuanyanwu also commended Chief Edwin Clark of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) for being a respected advocate for justice and a voice for Southern leaders.
“The South East is the only geo-political zone in Nigeria with only five states, while other zones have six or seven,” Iwuanyanwu pointed out. “Out of 48 ministers appointed by the President, the South East should have eight, but we only have five, while some zones have up to ten.”
He also lamented the lack of railway infrastructure in the South East, which is vital for the region’s traders.
“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has been detained for years, and all efforts to secure his release have failed, while others accused of similar offenses have been freed,” he added.
Iwuanyanwu criticized the federal character principle regarding the presidency, noting that it rotates between the North and South instead of across all six geo-political zones. This, he argued, has hindered the South East from producing a president. He also mentioned that the Southern and Middle-Belt Leaders’ Forum supported an Igbo candidate, leading to significant support for Peter Obi in the last election.
“When the results were announced, and Tinubu was declared the winner, the South East candidate sought legal redress. However, after the Supreme Court affirmed Tinubu’s victory, we, as law-abiding citizens, congratulated him and promised our support,” Iwuanyanwu said.
He also recounted how the South East refrained from joining nationwide protests, emphasizing their commitment to national unity and the significant investments Igbos have across the country.
Iwuanyanwu urged President Bola Tinubu to address the injustices and challenges faced by the Igbos. He recounted discussions at the Southern and Middle-Belt Leaders’ Forum that highlighted the marginalization of the Igbos and called for the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
“After Peter Obi’s electoral success in Lagos, Abuja, and other states, there were threats to undermine Igbo businesses and political participation. In Lagos, Igbos faced violence and threats, and some markets were closed or demolished,” he explained.
He also mentioned the detention of HRH Eze Nwajiagu in Lagos for what he deemed an unjustifiable reason and the demolition of an estate owned by Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu in Abuja without due process.
Despite these grievances, Iwuanyanwu thanked President Tinubu for appointing Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla as the Chief of Naval Staff of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
