Ohanaeze slams Tinubu over exclusion of S’East, S’South in key appointments

From Jude Chinedu, Enugu

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has condemned what it described as the ‘glaring exclusion’ of Nigerians from the South-East and South-South regions in recent appointments to the boards of federal parastatals by the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr Ezechi Chukwu, yesterday, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation expressed displeasure and concerns with the glaring exclusion of South-East and South-South Nigerians by the President Tinubu’s Administration in the reconstitution of the chairmen and directors-general of key strategic federal institutions, which include Bank of Industry and other national agencies among many others.

According to the group, such agencies play critical roles in shaping the nation’s economy and fostering development, and as such, no region should be sidelined in their leadership. “These important institutions constitute the frontline drivers of national reforms and economic re-invigoration of the country, and therefore, deserve inclusivity in the service and progress of Nigeria,” the statement added.

Ohanaeze faulted the pattern of appointments, describing them as a deviation from the constitutional principles. “It is sad that such discriminatory appointments and lopsided considerations are reflective of gross compromise of national equity and principles of federal character as enshrined in the constitution.”

The body urged President Tinubu to urgently correct the perceived injustice.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo, therefore, urges Mr. President to find a way to address this still-redeemable imbalance for the sake of inclusivity, fairness and justice,” the statement concluded.