The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has tackled South-East governors over their utilisation of public funds accruing to the various states.
This is contained in the State of the Igbo Nation address, as part of the activities marking the 2026 Igbo Day celebration.
In the address signed by Chief Richard Ozobu for Imeobi and Okechukwu Isiguzoro for Global Executive Committee, Ohanaeze expressed concern over what it called “persistent public complaints regarding infrastructure deficits, unemployment, insecurity, healthcare, education, agricultural productivity and the general economic condition of citizens across the South-East.”
It then demanded stronger mechanisms of fiscal transparency and public accountability in the management of state and local government resources.
According to the foremost Igbo organisation, every subnational government in the region should be prepared to clearly demonstrate the total revenue it has received, how it was appropriated, what projects were executed, what measurable benefits reached the people and what remains outstanding.
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The Chief Jackson Omenazu faction of Ohanaeze said Ndigbo must not be taken for granted, charging the governors to account for public resources, respect local government autonomy and deliver measurable development.
While describing its demands as legitimate questions in every democracy, Ohanaeze said it does not seek confrontation with any South-East administration.
It said this year’s State of the Igbo Nation address is deliberately anchored on the enduring Igbo principle of “Oguejiofo – speak truth to power.”
Ohanaeze also urged the governors to uphold the constitutional principles governing democratic local government administration.
“Local governments exist to bring government closer to the people. They must not become political extensions of state administrations.
“The people at the grassroots deserve credible elections, accountable leadership, transparent finances and institutions capable of responding to their local needs,” it stated.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo also reiterated its call for sustained political and legal engagement towards a peaceful and lawful resolution of the Nnamdi Kanu matter.
It noted that the people were entitled to ask what progress has been achieved by the South-East governors towards Kanu’s release, what obstacles remain and what additional lawful measures can be pursued.
Ohanaeze, therefore, called for a coordinated process involving the federal government, South-East political leaders, legal representatives and credible Igbo stakeholders.
On the 2027 general elections, the Igbo group re-echoed its stand that the odds favour President Bola Tinubu.
“As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, Ohanaeze calls on Ndigbo to participate fully and responsibly in the democratic process. The political future of Ndigbo cannot be secured through isolation.
“It requires constructive engagement across geopolitical boundaries, credible alliances, issue-based negotiations and sustained participation in national institutions.
“Ohanaeze, therefore, urges political actors seeking the confidence of Ndigbo to present clear, measurable and verifiable commitments on infrastructure, security, economic development, representation, constitutional rights and national inclusion,” it added.
Ohanaeze also renewed its demand for the creation of an additional state in the South-East, while also calling on the federal government to sustain concrete action towards the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri Eastern Railway Corridor.
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