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From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
The Igbo Presidency Project (IPP) has condemned the chaotic outcome of the City Boys Movement empowerment programme in Owerri, Imo State, describing it as “misplaced political charity” that ended in embarrassment and confusion.
In a statement released to journalists in Owerri, IPP’s National Coordinator, Chinedu Nsofor, said the event reflected a misunderstanding of the Southeast’s socio-economic character, adding that the region seeks genuine political inclusion and development, not token empowerment programmes.
“The South East doesn’t need palliatives, but equitable participation in national leadership,” the statement read.
The group urged political actors to focus on sustainable development, infrastructure, and fair representation to earn the trust of the people .
Nsofor said rather than transporting palliative materials to the region as part of political mobilisation, the organisers would have been better advised to distribute such items among their extended families or in
communities where people are genuinely in dire need of basic food and relief.
The group maintained that the South East has historically been known for enterprise, trade, and private sector resilience, noting that many Igbo families rely on businesses and industry, rather than palliative handouts. It, therefore, questioned why empowerment materials meant to promote political campaigns were brought to the region, instead of meaningful economic projects.
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The group further argued that if the organisers truly intended to support the region, they should have focused on establishing major industries, infrastructure, and state-of-the-art development projects capable of creating sustainable employment opportunities for young people in the South East.
Nsofor said “the chaotic scene that unfolded during the distribution exercise, where a crowd broke barricades and scrambled for items, demonstrated that the programme lacked proper planning and respect for the dignity of the people.
“Images circulating from the venue showing people being chased away or struggling over palliatives represent a humiliating spectacle that should never have happened in a region known for productivity and entrepreneurship,” the statement read.
“IPP described the outcome as a waste of resources and effort, noting that the strategy not only failed, but also exposed the limitations of attempting to win political loyalty in the South East through palliative distribution.
The organisation further stressed that the incident highlights a deeper political message from the region. The group said the South East does not seek token empowerment programmes, but genuine political inclusion and development.
“The events in Owerri have once again demonstrated that what the Igbo people desire is not palliatives but equitable participation in national leadership,” the statement added. “Above all, what the South East seeks is justice, fairness, and the emergence of an Igbo president who understands the aspirations, enterprise, culture, and economic vision of the region.”
“IPP urged political actors to adopt a more thoughtful approach to engagement with the South East, emphasising that sustainable development, infrastructure, industrial investment, and fair political representation remain the most meaningful ways to earn the trust of the people of the region”. Nsofor stated.
