NewStats: 3,264,436 , 8,183,711 topics. Date: Wednesday, 11 June 2025 at 05:39 AM 1k6053

By Chike Obidigbo Ph.D

Recently, President Bola Tinubu appointed chairmen of 42 boards and parastatals of the Federal Government (FG). As has become usual with such federal appointments, the list of appointees had only few names of people from the Southeast geopolitical zone.

Last month, the President ended the year 2024 with similar appointments. That was the selection of Chief Executive Officers for the National Universities Commission (NUC), the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), the Solid Minerals Development Fund/Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative (SMDF) and the New Partnership for Africa Development (NEPAD).

In the statement released by President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, was appointed as the Executive Secretary of NUC, while Prof. Salisu Shehu was made Executive Secretary of NERDC.

For NEPAD, the President appointed Jabiru Abdullahi Tsauri as the National Coordinator of NEPAD and announced Yazid Danfulani as the Executive Secretary of the SMDF/PAGMI.
As has become customary after every such federal appointments, Nigerians were eager to see a semblance of balance or federal character in the distribution of positions and responsibilities among the composite nationalities of the country.

While people of other ethnic nationalities noted the imbalance against Igbo with quiet disappointment, the Igbo have long taken their continuing marginalisation as part of their contribution to Nigeria’s search for survival as a country.

It was the former South African President, Nelson Mandela, who stated that “Part of building a nation means building a spirit of tolerance, love and respect amongst the people of the country." But, in his great work, Nigeria’s legendary writer, Chinua Achebe, contended that Nigerians will probably achieve consensus on no other matter than their common resentment of the Igbo.”

Some commentators believe that Igbo’s problems in Nigeria began with the civil war, during which they sought a separate country called Biafra Republic as their own. Yet, at the end of that war in 1970, the then military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, had proclaimed a verdict of ‘No Victor, No Vanquished’.

The Federal Government under Gowon also embarked on the programme of three Rs, that is, Rehabilitation, Reintegration and Reconstruction; for the former Biafran enclave of South East region.

Although Ndigbo constitute one of the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria, they are peculiar, because they were never subject to powerful caliphates or kingdom, unlike the other two- Hausa and the Yoruba- who operate monarchical leaderships, namely, the Sokoto Caliphate and Oyo Kingdom, respectively.

It could be argued that the non-acceptance of undue domination by Ndigbo opened them up to antagonism by other tribes. However, it is impossible to analyse the pace of socio-political and economic development in Igbo land without factoring in the challenges and damaging effects of continued marginalization.

To this end, every objective and rationale observer has been asking the same question: Has the war actually ended? Available indices suggest otherwise.

Take for instance, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme, which is meant to infuse a sense of patriotism and unite young Nigerians into nation building. Young graduates from South East are usually posted to the north, where they are exploited through strenuous jobs in various establishment, especially in schools. At the end of the service year, they are made to roam about, because of systemic unemployment that denies them appointment in Federal Government agencies.

Even in ission into universities, Igbo applicants are denied slots due to quota, catchment area and other considerations that do not align with merit or fair competition.

You come down to political leadership, it is obvious that leaders are imposed on Igbo as governors and legislators from outside to ensure that the real yearnings and aspirations of our people are not expressed. That also partly explains why insecurity in the South East has proven intractable, due to the ruse of unknown gun men, who litter the region as criminal mercenaries.

To worsen matters, there is a concentration of military personnel in the South East with road blocks at every square metre unlike in the North, where insurgency and banditry have become the order of the day.

Another evidence of siege on Igbo land revolves around the growing calls for referendum by various ethnic groups. But, while the likes of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and Simon Ekpa have been incarcerated, nothing has been done to citizens of other tribes who had openly called for Nigeria’s division through self determination or referendum.

You find that a silent genocidal war is being waged against Igbo as young people are mowed down in the guise of fighting IPOB separatists. This silent war is extended to the economic front by way of infrastructure neglect, dilapidation and isolationist policies.

ed by the British, successive Federal Governments in Nigeria made sure that Eastern Ports remain comatose, while roads are in their post-war state of disrepair. All these are in a deliberate bid to entrench the economic strangulation of Igbo and expedite the massive exodus of able-bodied youths in their productive ages to other Nigerian cities and states.
All this brings back to memory the very strategy that informed past state creation efforts, which ensured the dichotomy between Igbo and their brothers in the old Eastern Region. By creating an amorphous and nondescript South/South region to ring-fence Igbo land, it requires no rocket science to know why a former President described Igbo land as a Dot in a circle. They have readied the Igbo for easy suffocation and blockade.

Over the years, Igboland has been in the vanguard of agitating for a fair share in the distribution of the national cake. But, it is like there is a determined effort to keep Igbo down.

In a study titled, "The Marginalization of the Igbo People in Nigeria’s Political and Economic Sectors: What Is the Way Forward?", Ezeakukwu Emmanuel Nsoedo National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Abuja, Nigeria, gave historical overview of the pre-civil war era of 1967, and post-civil war with regard to the economic and political status occupied by the Eastern region when compared to the Northern and Western regions.

The research showed how the Eastern region was positioned as a leader in economic advancement beyond the shores of Nigeria. Politically, it played pivotal roles through the political leaders of the regional powerhouse, the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) which was later changed to the National Convention of Nigerian Citizens.

After the civil war, successive military regimes introduced series of decrees which ushered in policies that did not accommodate the interest of Igbo people. These included the unfulfilled reconstruction of the devastated Igbo land, 20 pounds’ flat refund policy, indigenization decree, etc. The promulgation of the Nigerian Enterprises Promotion Decree of 1972, also known as Indigenization Decree, did not accommodate Igbo interest. The government enacted the policy when it was obvious that Igbo people were at their weakest economic standing, having just emerged from the civil war.

The direct implication was that the other ethnic groups were able to participate actively by massively purchasing shares of those blue-chip companies that the Nigeria government decided to appropriate.

As it is, the punitive economic measures appear to have persisted years after the civil war. For instance, the Akanu Ibiam Airport designated as "International" lacks quality infrastructure despite having very significant Igbo travellers dominating the aviation sector.

Ndigbo in reality still experience an overwhelming level of disadvantages based on public policies that were roguishly crafted to undermine their ability to maximize political and economic potentials. The restructuring of Nigeria to create more states for the northern states to the detriment of the Southern Nigeria, especially, the Southeast was not only an impediment politically. Britain orchaestrated that simply to restrain the economic potentials of the Igbo people negatively.

There are several instances of the Nigeria census exercises found to be less than desirable. The need to maintain a very high population figure advantage by certain regions over the others was intense. That notwithstanding, even the demographers found the 1973 population census incredibly manipulated. The census exercise confirmed that Nigeria’s population grew by 44 percent in 10 years, while, Northern Nigeria’s population jumped to 64 percent compared to 53.7 percent in 1963.

The bloated population advantage has consequences for the creation of states, local governments, and the sharing of accrued revenues at the center since in practice, Nigeria runs a unitary system as against the federal system on paper. Consequently, Southeast is the only zone with the least amount of revenue allocation in the Federation, having just five states.

Of serious concern is the skewed implementation of the Federal Character Principle as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution.

Indeed, it is widely held in Igbo enclave that there is a well-considered perception that the seaports within the Igbo axis are deliberately underused when one considers the fact that Port Harcourt port was a bustling port prior to Nigeria independence, up until Nigeria Biafra civil war.

The Port Harcourt port was the second largest port in the country commissioned in 1913 as with Lagos port. The Calabar port was equally busy handling exports and imports. But, currently, the Lagos seaports are fully congested leading to congestion and confusion.

The question is simple: Why the delays by the Federal Government to dredge the River Niger, improve the Calabar and Warri ports, etc., or make it friendly to use Port Harcourt to ease the economic waste arising from the concentration of shipping activities in Lagos ports?

It does not make good economic or political sense for Nigeria to keep marginalising Igbo in the mistaken belief that such uneven handed approach is the best way to punish them or avoid a repeat of the civil war.

Abundant evidence continues to show that the more the powers that be tries to undermine and oppress Igbo, the more Nigeria slides into worse economic chaos and political instability.

Source : https://newsmaxng.com/2025/02/02/igbo-marginalization-fact-or-fanciful-claim/

19 states in the North
5 states in the East

I think its only a mentally ill person that should expect things to be shared in the same percentage especially when those from the 5 states have made themselves an enemy of the North and their fellow southerners....

The north will always have the higher share.

Lets not even talk about what this 5states are
bringing to the national treasury....

Or should we talk about the fact that these 5states are less than some northern states in Land mass and that each northern state can still be broken into 3 additional state each?

You may argue that its not about landmass.

But you know the reality

Arostar2023:


Look at your warped analysis.

ogolemati:
yarimo you didn't tell me you have recruited yet another one into agbero and tout union.what is this.come oga didn't yarimo gave you helmet

The North has a higher percentage in the total number of states. If I was dealing with the Yorubas or, Ijaw who are actually known for having a higher IQ I would have expected these comments to tell us how the North with 19 states who actually contribute more to the National treasury and also feed most of the country is expected to get exactly what the SE with 5states get, but you are the set of people who dont even know their 123 which is why you a call everyone with a few thousands and a car a billionaire.
Even if we say we give 1 per state the SE wants to get 19 ministers because the North will get 19 ministers at 1minister per state.
I think its regional mental problem

Ezedgreat:
u are a fool and ur children will be ashamed of u

This is yet another thing I forgot to mention...
This your foul mouth is the reason why even when you are qualified for a position you dont get it, but it think its insulting people upandan, bragging and making noise is a part of the Igbo cultural heritage anyways....

Anyone with a brain as small as that of a rat would know that when he has problems with everyone around him, from the south, to the north to the west, he most definitely is the major problem.....
Nobody hates the igbos, people just hate this your character

Fact....

Why does NITDA have offices in all geopolitical zones except the South East? Nigeria doesn't want the IT industry in the region to grow but SE zone has the highest number of police extortion points in the country!

The first thing I checked was the author, and immediately I know exactly what to expect in the warped article. Thank goodness I am not disappointed! The earlier these people change their orientation the better. Watch out, they'll come for my head now 😜


Playing the victim card as has been played since the civil war will not take you anywhere. It will only worsen the situation.

While I agree that Nigeria should have carried out necessary rebuilding of the region, the disposition and utterances of certain leaders from that region have made it impossible.

Jonathan should have done it seamlessly! But the guy fidgeted when he had the power.

The tribalists will take over this thread soon.
👩🏽‍🦯👩🏽‍🦯👩🏽‍🦯

Is this a sponsored thread? Two comments, voom e don reach Frontpage.

After the Civil War, Nigeria owes Southeast the needed reconstruction. , everything that was standing was bombed to oblivion. If there is talk of rebuilding Gaza, then Southeast was leveled beyond recognition far worse than Gaza.

Rebuilding Southeast is not asking too much.

every igbo man wants a working country.let everything be fair

Since I became grown up I stopped playing the victim card. Since we are Nigerians anything that other Nigerians would enjoy, I must enjoy am..

Bleep that victim mentality

They are coming.....Yeah u know the set of people..!!

Ijaw marginalization no matter? Tiv, Igala, Ogoni, Ikwerre, Ibiobio, Efik, Nupe, Idoma etc.

EXOUSIAng:
19 states in the North
5 states in the East

I think its only a mentally ill person that should expect things to be shared in the same percentage especially when those from the 5 states have made themselves an enemy of the North and their fellow southerners....

The north will always have the higher share.

Lets not even talk about what this 5states are
bringing to the national treasury....

Or should we talk about the fact that these 5states are less than some northern states in Land mass and that each northern state can still be broken into 3 additional state each?

You may argue that its not about landmass.

But you know the reality

yarimo you didn't tell me you have recruited yet another one into agbero and tout union.what is this.come oga didn't yarimo gave you helmet

Nothing in Nigeria is equal.
Sentiment aside, Igbos are marginalized and more marginalized because they brag a lot.

Grab it and run with it
Power is taken not given. When over 200 tribes have not rule, za play na

Employee one person from each region

North will have 19
SW will have 6
SS will have 7
SE will have 5

Yet SE will claim marginalisation.


During GEJ era SS and SE were having all the appointments, where was this olodo native doctor that time. The SW kept quite and strategised on how to get back to the Center.

Victim mentality criers.

I love Igbo girls...

It's fanciful and jokes

What should the minority tribes in Nigeria say ? The Igbo's have been miscalculating politically in Nigeria while blaming others for their actions

You cant be marginalized in a country and still control / major stakeholder in trade and commerce in virtually every state of the country . This man na trouble maker lol. Is it only igbo land that people based in lagos become governors or legislators? Makinde, adeleke, abiodun in the south west are all lagos based , same with other states that are abuja and lagos based too


Shebi Tinubu has appointed many Yorubas but majority of our people are still hungry and dying in rice/giveaway stampedes. So wetin be the gain gan gan?

.

I see

One Nigeria is a big scam. Know this and know PEACE ✌️

The illiterate North always benefits more than any other Tribe/Region. This contraption must end now. Even the druggie is always afraid to hurt them. This is the reason why I hate democracy, it always favors the majority illiterates. Nonsense

Nobody marginalized you.

The writer would have made sense if he didn't appear to be an apologist of IPOB-ESN terrorists and Simon Ekpa led terrorist group.

MadamExcellency:
Is this a sponsored thread? Two comments, voom e don reach Frontpage

Any thread that has obi and igbo in it na front page automatically

Flazer101:
Nothing in Nigeria is equal.
Sentiment aside, Igbos are marginalized and more marginalized because they brag a lot.

Sentiment aside, Oyo is marginalized too though they don't talk about it. Oyo competes in size with the entire Igbo land and it's just one of several states in the South West. Yet, Oyo has just one governor and just 3 senators while Igbo land has several governors and numerous senators. That is marginalization.

Igbos are marginalized in Nigeria. But the question is, are other tribes better off? Poverty is the reoccurring index among all regions in Nigeria. Generally, resources are scarce and there is lack of equity and ability in the distribution of these resources.
Every successive istration tends to follow the same pattern in distribution of resources.

First politicians at the federal level serve selves, then their federal political allies, followed by their own tribes and then whatever is left would be opened for state politicians and their allies, then the masses are left out. It’s trickle down set up, created to only favor the political class and their associate.

Not only the Igbos are being marginalized in Nigeria. Other minority groups are not better off, the rural communities are suffering, ordinary Nigerians from every tribe are feeling the same way.
The root of the problem is multifaceted. corruption and poor leadership being at the top. Secondly, Nigeria is not a rich country considering the per capital income. The last but not the least being the political structure.

Let’s take a look at infrastructure. For decades, all the federal roads that serve as gateway to the SE heartlands have been abandoned. The Enugu 9 miles. The Aba -Port Harcourt road, The Aba - Ikot Ekpne road. The Onitsha - OWERRI road. This in my opinion is deliberate marginalization with intentions to create a blockade.

The political structure. SE is the only region with 5 states, others have 6 . This is another deliberate and calculated way to reduce the number of elective representatives of SE at the uppers chambers. You know what means, reduced voting power at the chambers.

Next is the marginalization in federal political appointments . The Igbos have the least among the 3 major ethnic groups in Nigeria. Well, it is often justified as the consequences of not aligning with ruling political parties

Nairaland mods are biased. Anything against the igbos reach front page in seconds