The prominent pan-Igbo socio-political organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has rebuked President Bola Tinubu for the allocation of five ministerial slots to the South-East in his recent nomination list. The organization, represented by its President General, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, expressed strong dissent, deeming the allocation of five ministerial positions to the region as “unfair and unjust.”
In a statement issued by Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the organization drew attention to the fact that the Igbo community did not significantly contribute to the process of state creation during the era of military administrations. Consequently, the South-East region is grappling with the disadvantage of having only five states, while other zones in the country possess a minimum of six states each.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo underscored the ramifications of this limitation, which has led to unequal opportunities for representation across various levels of governance. The organization lamented the resultant shortage of governors, senators, members of the House of Representatives, state assembly members, and other key positions in the South-East.
The statement called to mind the circumstances surrounding the creation of states and geopolitical zones, primarily orchestrated by military administrations. Ohanaeze Ndigbo maintained that the Igbo community’s limited involvement during this process has contributed to the current disparity in representation and resources.
“As a result, the South East was shortchanged with five (5) states while other zones have a minimum of six (6) states.
“This situation has placed the South East in a very difficult position, politically, economically, and socially.
“Our political power has been reduced as we have a few senators and also in the House of Representatives; governors, house of assembly and local governments.
“In federal revenue allocation, the South East is denied the revenue that comes on the basis of states. In federal board appointments and other resource distributions, we are strategically shortchanged.
“We wish to observe that this situation was not caused by the current administration but we however appeal to His Excellency, Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR to help us remedy the situation and restore justice, equity and fairness in Nigeria.
“We pray the Almighty to bless and prosper our country, Nigeria and give our leaders the wisdom and knowledge to steer the ship of the Nigerian nation to peace, happiness and prosperity for all Nigerians irrespective of ethnicity, creed and political persuasion.”
The organization’s stance reflects the concerns of the South-East populace, advocating for a more equitable distribution of opportunities and resources to ensure proportional representation in the nation’s governance structures.