Tinubu’s Ally, Igbokwe Says Igbo Are Marginalized

A former All Progressives Congress, APC, in Lagos state, Joe Igbokwe says the marginalisation of the south east in the political and resources sharing will not portend well for the country.

The APC chieftain gave the warning in a post he shared on his verified facebook page on Saturday.

He spoke amidst the recent criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s alleged lopsided federal appointments. The president has been attacked by his critics for appointing predominantly south west persons into key government positions.

Igbokwe is a close ally of President Tinubu.

The presidency has however debunked the allegation saying appointments are based on merit, adding that the resources of the country are evenly distributed.

According to Igbokwe, many years after the end of the Nigerian Civil War the south east has yet to be fully integrated back into the country, as its people still suffer marginalisation. If the situation persists, he said, it will not augur well for the country.

He expressed deep concern over what he described as systemic neglect of the region in national matters.

Igbokwe said, “If Nigeria continues to treat the South-East as if the zone does not exist or does not matter, the consequences will be huge.

“The civil war has ended, but the scars are still there. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Neglect of SE is bad.”

In a swift defence of the federal government’s appointments, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, in a statement last week said, the president’s appointments are based on fairness and its dedication to national unity.

The federal government said the president has been guided by the Federal Character principle as well as the Nigerian Constitution. The statement was signed by  Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations in the SGF Office.

The statement reads, “The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) wishes to address recent insinuations circulating, particularly on social media, regarding the composition of Federal appointments.

“The Government categorically refutes claims of lopsidedness and emphasizes its unwavering commitment to the principles of fairness, equity, and national unity. All appointments are made in strict adherence to the federal character principle, as enshrined in Section 14 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as altered).

“It is notable to mention that His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, believes strongly in the unity of Nigeria and is guided by the ideals of fairness and tenets of justice in all appointments. This Administration is dedicated to ensuring that all regions and demographics of the country are adequately represented in its institutions and agencies.”