Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-political organisation, on Thursday, exculpated President Bola Tinubu from the marginalisation of the South East in the scheme of things in Nigeria, saying it was the handiwork of the past military governments in the country, which gave the zone the short end of the stick.
President General, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who made the declaration while bemoaning a situation in which only five candidates from the zone were nominated into the new federal cabinet, which he described as “unfair and unjust,” however, maintained that the President, must not continue along that line.
Iwuanyanwu, who recalled that the problem began with the creation of states by the military, a process which the Igbo made very little contribution, noted how it resulted in the area getting only five states, while other zones got six and seven respectively, adding that the outcome had reflected negatively in what Ndigbo got from the federation over the years.
Out of the 48 Ministers nominated by Tinubu, who have since been screened by the Senate, the South-East only got five slots, representing the five states in the zone, viz: Nkiru Onyejiocha (Abia), Uju Ohaneye (Anambra), Dave Umahi (Ebonyi), Uche Nnaji (Enugu) and Doris Uzoka (Imo).
Demanding justice, fairness and equity for every ethnic group in Nigeria including the Igbo, the foremost Igbo leader, said: “Recall that the states and geopolitical zones were created by the military administrations. All honest Nigerians know that the Igbo did not play much part during this exercise. 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.”