Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
A former member of House of Representatives, Hon Uche Onyeagocha, has lamented that over 90 per cent of Igbo First 11, operate from outside of the South-East geo-political zone.
The former Secretary to Imo State Government who spoke during Ikengaonline townhall meeting, further regretted that resources meant for the development of the zone are stashed away by political leaders imposed on the zone by external influences.
He said: “90 % of our first 11 operate from outside South-East. 80% of our second 11 operate from outside South-East. 70% of our third 11, operate from South-East.
Chief Onyejeocha who decried the penchant with which most political office holders from the South-East loot public funds meant for the development of the zone, and invest same outside the zone, called for a change of attitude.
“If we invest up to 50% of allocations meant for South-East in the zone, we will be better off,” he regretted” adding that Governors steal more than half of the allocations meant for their states.
He further regretted that Ndigbo now derive pleasure in holding events outside South-East, an ugly development he warned should be checked.
“Any event that must be attended by our first 11 must now hold in Abuja or Lagos.
“Why can’t we hold Ojukwu Lecture, Okpara Lectures, Innoson Lectures, etc in Igboland?”
Blaming the insecurity in the South-East for the anomaly, the former Imo State governorship candidate, enjoined Ndigbo to unite against anti-Igbo forces.
He regretted that those who have hijacked political power in the South-East have no regards for the tradition nor welfare of the people but only interested in grabbing of public funds.
On how to stop questionable characters from hijacking political power in the South-East, Chief Onyeagocha, said home-grown people of integrity should stop sitting on the fence but get involved in politics.
He, however, advised genuine people wishing to go into politics newly to avoid mainstream political parties as their tickets are usually for the highest bidder.
According to him, those joining politics newly with intent to make genuine change should identify with minority parties and force a force.
“They should keep their eyes off the mainstream political parties and identify with the minority parties. They should not subject themselves to be slaves to godfathers in the mainstream political parties.
“Those who believe they have something to offer should congregate in the new brands. Let them join the new brands where they don’t need to bring truckloads of money.”
Chief Onyeagocha noted that the efforts of diaspora Igbos alone could not develop the South-East without responsible political leadership at home to drive and direct developmental agenda.
