Politics
Intimidation, marginalisation won’t stop Igbo demand for restructured Nigeria – Ekweremadu
Nigeria’s Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu has said that no amount of harassment, intimidation or marginalisation will end the agitation by Ndigbo for a restructured Nigeria where every component part can substantially harness its resources.
He however called on Ndigbo to never allow any provocation that will lead to armed struggle because such according to him, is “an ill wind that blows no one any good.”
According to the senator, the minimum demands of Ndigbo from Nigeria is restructuring of the country and nothing less.
On the controversial abandonment of Eastern Rail Line, he said the rail line was not for the benefit of the South East alone, but also the South-South, North Central and North East.
A statement he released on Saturday through his Special Adviser, Media, Uche Anichukwu, quoted Ekweremadu as saying this at the World Igbo Congress (WIC) summit in Enugu.
He said, “The minimum Ndigbo demand of Nigeria is a restructure of the federation so that every component part of it can substantially harness its resources, cut its coat according to its cloth, and develop at its own speed.
“Instructively, the ill-fated Aburi Accord was about restructuring, even if it is not exactly as we want it today. But it was breached and discarded, plunging the nation into an avoidable fratricidal war. Yet, fifty years after, the need and call for restructuring and return to a true federal state have only persisted.
“Although the call initially fell on deaf ears, it is heart-warming that the right quarters are beginning to listen and the call is gathering traction daily, even from hitherto improbable quarters.
“No matter the intimidation, harassment, and marginalisation of our people, we must never be provoked into an armed struggle. It is an ill wind that blows no one any good.
Read also: South east govs, IGP warn Biafra agitators over planned ‘sit at home’ protests
“But we must consistently continue to say a loud, ‘No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No! Until we get to the promised land of an equitable and just society. Let no man be tired and let no woman give up. The night may be long, but the day will surely break.”
While he called on the Federal Government to seek and sustain peace in all parts of the country through equity, justice, and fairness, Ekweremadu added, “a man that is unjustly treated will never be interested in peace.
“The rights of Ndigbo to peaceful and democratic engagements must be respected. Those who try to muffle and subdue democratic engagements by citizens are only playing into the hands of anarchists.
“Importantly, the marginalisation meted out to Ndigbo in appointments, especially in the commanding heights of the security sector is unacceptable; and must be redressed”.
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Anita Kingsley
May 28, 2017 at 3:27 pm
Thank you Ekweremadu for telling the the truth and representing us well
Abeni Adebisi
May 28, 2017 at 3:29 pm
Once the Igbos are given any avenue to control anything, Nigeria will regret it. I’ve been expecting Ekweremadu’s comment a long time ago, behold, he just spoke in favour of his people because he’s also interested in Biafra
Animashaun Ayodeji
May 28, 2017 at 3:31 pm
They will fail together. I’m not against the Igbos having a voice in Nigeria’s politics, but we have to be very careful dealing with people who are tired of being Nigerians
Opara Legacy Jnr
May 28, 2017 at 11:48 pm
When will this so called tribal hatred stop….a senator defending his region is now a bad and bias being…please u guys should stop all this and face reality, I believe this is why naija will never move forward… If the igbo’s are tired ? of been part of naija why can’t they b allowed to go..atleast a man that is tired of his wife should allow his wife divorce to be processed rather than abusing her in the name of been the head of the family ?
seyi jelili
May 29, 2017 at 2:10 am
Keep shut, what senator is defending his region, do you think he has the biafrans in mind or he is busy thinking on how to siphon more money for his posterity
yanju omotodun
May 29, 2017 at 1:40 am
If anyone should even talk about egalitarian and just society , it’s not for people like Ekeeremandu , he is a bloody thief who has usurped his position to steal enough money for himself. The igbos should better be wise
JOHNSON PETER
May 29, 2017 at 5:06 am
That’s not your business, that he stole money doesn’t mean he shouldn’t defend his people, he is stealing Nigerian money now so we can spend that which he stole in Biafra country
Doget Africa
June 13, 2017 at 9:15 pm
for crying out loud…..that a region refused to be part of an entity,why not allow them choose there direction than forcing them to still be in unity and you are busy treating them like slaves….why is Nigeria so afraid to let go if you know they are useless,why forcing them to stay…. there agitating for Biafra,they never threatened anybody to leave there zone but a common Hausa man that has never contributed anything to the grwth of that Entity Nigeria is busy opening there mouth to promise blood shed,what a stupid country with bunches of old fools that steals from the hard working citizens,since the leadership of this yoruba and hausas has any situation ever improved in that country and you wont allow someone capable to lead but rather steal and wen some sections are not comfortable,they promise war and genocide….i swear is either done now or never,i dont see how Nigeria will be in Unity……..revenge is a regrettable war….the Igbos are civilized section and hardworking,they can build a paradise in a seconds…..be warn