Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, has denied allegations of litigation threats against President Bola Tinubu over political appointments as it affects the south-East zone.
The group has, however, expressed satisfaction with the few key ministerial appointments secured by the Southeast region despite its overwhelming support for the Labour Party in the last election.
The organisation disclosed this in a statement signed by the Secretary-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro on Friday.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo said there is urgent need for developmental projects in the Southeast, such as the construction of federal expressways using cement technology, deep seaports at Asa Blue River in Ukwa West LGA of Abia State and Afikpo River in Ebonyi State, a standard gauge railway line from Port-Harcourt to Maiduguri, the creation of an additional state (Aba State) for the Southeast, the restoration of peace and security through carrot-and-stick solutions for Biafra agitators, and a federal inquiry into the killings of 70 Nigerians, particularly Igbos, at Lokpanta Cattle Market along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway in Abia State.
The group expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, saying he would address these critical needs of the Southeast instead of focusing on appointments.
Acknowledging that the Southeast zone has received numerous appointments from previous federal governments since 1999, adding that, these appointments have failed to translate into meaningful public benefits, attractive policies, or developmental projects.
Despite having influential ministers and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), during the Obasanjo-Yar’Adua-Jonathan regimes, still the region has witnessed deteriorating federal highways and a lack of Federal presence.
It noted that these appointments primarily benefited the elite class while the suffering masses were neglected.
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“Regrettably, some individuals who were part of the Labour Party’s Presidential Council’s Campaign Directors from Ohanaeze are now attempting to use grandstanding tactics to secure appointments under Tinubu’s administration.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo firmly distances itself from any such plot and reaffirms its commitment to representing the genuine interests of the Igbo people. The organisation recognises the importance of engaging constructively with the government to ensure the equitable development and progress of the Southeast region.
“Furthermore, Ohanaeze Ndigbo regrets the circumstances that led to these unauthorised publications of litigation threats over demands for more political appointments.
However, the organisation maintained that it remains steadfast in its dedication to fostering unity, promoting the welfare of the Igbo people, and advocating for their rightful inclusion in national affairs.
