The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has expressed concerns over the current appointment of ministers in Nigeria by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
A statement issued to journalists on Monday in Awka by Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, said In the recent appointment, the South-East has only five ministers while some other zones have nine, and others even 10 ministers..
“The Ohanaeze Ndigbo feels that it is unfair and unjust. 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”, Iwuanyanwu said.
The elder statesman added that in all honest Nigerians know that the Igbo did not play much part during this exercise creation of the existing six geo-political zone during the military regime.
He noted that as a result, the South East was shortchanged with five states while other zones have minimum of six states.
“This situation has placed the South-East in a very disadvantage 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”, he said.
The Ohaneze president, however, wished to observe that this situation was not caused by the current administration but appeal to Tinubu to help 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”, Iwuanyanwu prayed.