Chief Emmanuel Iwanyanwu, President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, has drawn attention to significant disparities affecting the Southeast geopolitical zone of Nigeria. One of the key issues highlighted is the imbalance in both the number of states and ministerial appointments compared to other regions within the country. Currently, the Southeast is represented by only five states, the lowest among all geopolitical zones, while others boast between six to seven states each.
This discrepancy extends into ministerial appointments under the Federal Character principle. According to Iwanyanwu, despite the Southeast being entitled to eight ministerial positions based on this principle, they are represented by only five ministers. In stark contrast, some other zones enjoy up to 10 ministerial positions, highlighting a clear disparity that raises concerns about potential marginalization and underrepresentation of the Southeast in federal governance and decision-making.
In an interview with The Sun, Iwanyanwu emphasized these disparities, noting that such unequal representation not only impacts political power dynamics but also economic and social development within the Southeast. He pointed out that the region's limited political representation undermines its ability to effectively advocate for its interests at the federal level, thereby perpetuating a cycle of marginalization.
The issue of state and ministerial representation is crucial as it directly affects the Southeast's influence in national policies and resource allocation. With fewer states and ministers, the region faces challenges in addressing its unique developmental needs and ensuring equitable distribution of federal resources. This imbalance, as highlighted by Iwanyanwu, underscores the urgent need for reforms that promote fair and balanced representation across all geopolitical zones in Nigeria.
Ultimately, addressing these disparities is not only about political equity but also about fostering national unity and inclusivity. It requires proactive measures to uphold the principles of fairness and equal opportunity in governance, thereby strengthening Nigeria's democratic framework and promoting sustainable development across all regions of the country.
According to him, "Southeast is the only geo-political zone in Nigeria that has only five states whereas other zones have between six and seven states. Forty-eight ministers were appointed by Mr President. By the law of Federal Character, Southeast should have eight ministers, but we have only five ministers while some other zones have up to 10."