Ohanaeze to Tinubu: It’s unfair only five ministers nominated from south-east

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the Igbo socio-cultural organisation, says it is unfair that President Bola Tinubu picked only five ministers from the south-east region.

On Monday, the senate confirmed 45 out of 48 ministerial nominees forwarded for screening by Tinubu.

The breakdown of the geographical spread of the nominees shows that the north-west has nine; north-east (eight); north-central (eight); south-south (seven), south-west (nine) and south-east (five).

Reacting to the development in a statement on Friday, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, said the group is disturbed by the appointment of only five ministers from the south-east.

Iwuanyanwu said the organisation considered it “unfair and unjust”, adding that a united Nigeria 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,” the statement reads.

“Recall that the states and geopolitical zones were created by the military administrations. All honest Nigerians know that the Igbo did not play much part during this exercise.

“As a result, the south-east was shortchanged with five states while other zones have a minimum of six states. This situation has placed the south-east in a very difficult 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.”

“We wish to observe that this situation was not caused by the current administration but we however appeal to his excellency, Mr Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR to help us 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 the Nigerian nation to peace, happiness and prosperity for all Nigerians irrespective of ethnicity, creed and political persuasion.”