Nigerian politician and activist Omoyele Sowore has alleged that a secret memorandum exists within the Nigerian government advising caution in dealings with the Igbo ethnic group.
Speaking during a recent episode of The Honest Bunch Podcast, hosted by actor Chinedu Ani Emmanuel, popularly known as Nedu, Sowore claimed the memo specifically discourages giving the Igbo’s significant political positions, including the presidency.
Claims on Marginalization and Survival
Sowore, who contested as the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), described the memo as evidence of systemic discrimination against the Igbos. He suggested that the ethnic group faces deliberate exclusion from top political opportunities.
According to Sowore, Nigeria’s current structure is fundamentally flawed for the survival and prosperity of the Igbo people. He asserted, “For an Igbo man to survive in Nigeria as it is currently put together, Nigeria must break.”
These remarks have sparked widespread discussions on social media, with many debating the validity of his claims and their implications for national unity.
Bianca Ojukwu’s Appointment Sparks Reactions
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent appointment of Bianca Ojukwu, the widow of the late Igbo leader Dim Emeka Ojukwu, as minister has also attracted attention. An elder statesman, Chike Obidigbo, warned against attempts to use her appointment to placate or neutralise ongoing secessionist agitations within the Igbo community.
In a statement, Obidigbo noted that while Bianca Ojukwu possesses “impeccable credentials” for nation-building, her appointment would not deter calls for a more equitable Nigeria or a separate Igbo state. He emphasised the need for genuine reconciliation and equitable representation rather than token political appointments as a solution to the grievances of the Igbo people.
Sowore’s Remarks in Context
Sowore’s commentary has reignited debates over the alleged marginalisation of the Igbos in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape. His assertion that a deliberate government policy exists to suppress Igbo aspirations has added another layer to the longstanding conversations about ethnic politics, national unity, and restructuring in Nigeria.
The issue of equitable representation for all ethnic groups continues to dominate public discourse as calls for restructuring and inclusive governance grow louder across the country.
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