Ohanaeze Ndigbo on Friday denied claims of litigation threats against President Bola Tinubu regarding appointments.
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation issued the denial while expressing pleasure that Igbos secured a few crucial ministerial appointments after the Southeast overwhelmingly voted for the Labour Party.
A statement signed by the factional Secretary General of Ohanaeze, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, appealed that the Southeast is in dire need of developmental projects like the construction of Southeast Federal expressways with cement technology, deep seaports at Asa Blue River in Ukwa West LGA of Abia State and at Afikpo River in Ebonyi State, construction of standard gauge railway lines from Port-Harcourt to Maiduguri, and the creation of an additional state (of Aba State) for the Southeast.
He also mentioned other needs to include “restoration of peace and security in the Southeast through the use of carrots and stick solutions for Biafra agitators and immediate federal inquiry and investigation into the killings of 70 Nigerians, especially Igbos, at Lokpanta Cattle Market along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway in Abia State.”
According to Isiguzoro, Igbos will be grateful to Tinubu if he gives urgent attention to “these genuine needs of the Southeast, not appointments.”
The statement reads: “Notably, Ohanaeze Ndigbo acknowledges that the Southeast has received numerous appointments from previous federal governments since 1999.
“However, these appointments have failed to yield substantial public benefits, attractive policies, and developmental projects.
“The region has witnessed deteriorating federal highways and a lack of federal presence, despite having influential ministers and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) during the Obasanjo-Yar’Adua-Jonathan regimes.
“It is disheartening to note that these appointments predominantly benefitted the elite class, while the suffering masses were left neglected. Regrettably, some individuals who were part of the campaign directors of the Labour Party’s presidential council 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.
“Ohanaeze regrets the circumstances that led to these unauthorised publications of litigation threats over demands for more political appointments.
“However, the organisation remains steadfast in its dedication to fostering unity, promoting the welfare of the Igbo people, and advocating for their rightful inclusion in national affairs.”