Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Lagos-based chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Joe Igbokwe, known for his anti-Igbo remarks especially during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, has suddenly become critical of his party.
Igbokwe in a post on his Facebook page, shocked his critics when he spoke out against the continued marginalisation of the South-East zone in national affairs.
He, unequivocally warned that continued neglect of the region could have dire consequences for Nigeria.
According to him, treating South-East as if it does not matter, will backfire.
He wrote: “If Nigeria continues to treat the South-East as if the zone does not exist or does not matter, the consequences will be huge,” Igbokwe stated.
Igbokwe’s surprise comments came amid ongoing controversy over appointments made under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Tinubu was accused of favouring his Yoruba kinsmen over others in his appointments.
But in defense of the President, his Media handlers released a statement to disprove that the South-West was not favoured by Tinubu as alleged.
But when it was discovered by critics that certain key figures from the South-West currently serving in Tinubu’s administration were missing on the list, the Presidency quickly admitted the list was erroneous, and offered apologies for the error, promising to update it later.
Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South had warned that lopsided appointments by Tinubu could have negative implications.
In a similar vein, Igbokwe said that the issue of lopsided appointments against Ndigbo runs deeper, tracing it to pre-civil war era.
“The civil war has ended, but the scars are still there.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Neglect of SE is bad,” Igbokwe lamented.
