By Amaechi Chidinma
The President General of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, Chief Engr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu (Ahaeji eje mba) has demanded for the creation of more State in the South Eastern part of Nigeria, while threatening court action if the demand is not met.
Speaking with newsmen in his office on Tuesday during a press briefing, Chief Iwuanyanwu, an Elder Statesman said Ohaneze is concerned about the obvious inequality and injustice manifested in the recent appointment of members of Federal Executive Council (FEC), he expressed dismay that out of 48 members appointed only 5 appointments were given to the South East, he disclosed that in the principles of federal character South East ought to have gotten at least 8 ministers, this he said has placed the South East in absolute minority in the (FEC). Chief Iwuanyanwu expressed that the people of the South East has been denied their rights, he added that there is no explanation whatsoever for giving the South East only 5 States whereas other zones has six or seven States, he maintained that appointments are made based on equality of State, he blamed the loss of appointment opportunities to the non creation of additional State in the South East.
Chief Iwuanyanwu also made it known that the South East has also lagged behind in the legislature, he said “South East has lost a whole State Legislative Assembly, Federal House of Representatives and three Senators, the impact of this is also felt during the Presidential primaries where delegates are drawn from States and local Government” he expressed.
Speaking further Chief Iwuanyanwu said revenue are allocated based on equality of States, he seized the platform to appeal to the President and the National Assembly to look into the plight of South Easterners by assuring that the National Executive Council is adjusted to reflect the federal character, and action taken to create a new State in the South East, while threaten court action if the demand is not met. In his words “ Ohaneze Ndi Igbo will go to court for proper Interpretation, if the Federal Government fail to respond positively to this request. Some of the reasons given by some political leaders is that South East did not vote for them, in the course of trial by the Judiciary, Nigerians will be told clearly whether denial of opportunities should be regarded as a legitimate punishment for group who do not vote for a political leader” he said.
