The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has presented a list of five key demands to President Bola Tinubu. These demands were outlined in a statement released by Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the factional Secretary-General of Ohanaeze.
The demands put forth by Ohanaeze Ndigbo encompass various significant issues of concern to the Igbo community in Nigeria. They are as follows:
- Creation of Aba State: Ohanaeze Ndigbo has long advocated for the establishment of an additional state in the Southeast region. The organization specifically calls for the creation of Aba State, emphasizing that this choice is supported by a majority of the Igbo population.
- Immediate Release of Nnamdi Kanu: Ohanaeze Ndigbo insists on President Tinubu’s intervention to secure the swift release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB). The group stresses that this act of clemency is crucial to restoring peace and harmony in the volatile Southeast, allowing people to celebrate the Christmas and New Year holidays without fear.
- Massive Developmental Projects: Ohanaeze Ndigbo calls for the implementation of transformative projects, including the construction of a Deep Sea Port in Azumiri Blue River in Ukwa East LGA, Abia State, and the establishment of standard gauge railway lines connecting strategic locations within the Southeast. These initiatives are intended to foster economic growth and alleviate the hardships caused by the removal of fuel subsidies.
- Reconstruction of Federal Roads with Cement Technology: The dilapidated state of federal roads in the Southeast is a pressing concern. Ohanaeze Ndigbo urges the reconstruction of these roads using modern cement technology to ensure durability and improved connectivity for the local population.
- Inclusion of Anambra, Enugu, Kogi States in Oil Derivation Allocations: The organization underscores the immediate inclusion of Anambra, Enugu, and Kogi states in the 13% oil derivation monthly allocations. These states were recognized by the Buhari administration as oil-producing states from the Old Anambra River basin. Ohanaeze Ndigbo sees this inclusion as a matter of justice and fair resource distribution.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s statement also addresses the issue of appointments in the Federal Executive Council, expressing opposition to what they view as an exploitative strategy to undermine the interests of the Igbo nation.
These demands reflect the current concerns and priorities of the Igbo community and highlight their expectations from President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.
