Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide says it is disturbed over the current appointment of ministers in Nigeria by President Bola Tinubu whereby the South-East has only five ministers while some other zones have nine (9) and even ten (10) ministers.
Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide stated this in a statement signed by him, and made available to Ikengaonline.
He described the situation as unfair and unjust, saying that Ohanaeze Ndigbo believe in one United Nigeria.
“The Ohanaeze Ndigbo believes in one united Nigeria and this can only be achieved in an atmosphere of fairness, justice and equity.
“We, therefore, demand justice, fairness and equity for every ethnic group in Nigeria including the Igbo,” he said.
Iwuanyanwu further recalled that the Igbos were shortchanged by the past military regimes that created states and geo-political zones because they did not take part in the regimes.
“As a result, the South-East was shortchanged with five (5) states while other zones have 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,” he said.
The Ohanaeze president also lamented that in federal revenue allocation, the South-East was denied the revenue that comes on the basis of states.
According to him: “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, Bola Tinubu, 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 Nigerian nation to peace, happiness and prosperity for all Nigerians irrespective of ethnicity, creed and political persuasion.”