Igbo leaders meet back a united nigeria restructuring
You're referring to the recent meeting of Igbo leaders to discuss the issue of restructuring in Nigeria. Here's a summary of the meeting:
Meeting Details
The meeting was convened by the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, and held on February 22, 2023, at the Enugu State Government House. The meeting was attended by prominent Igbo leaders, including:
- Nnia Nwodo, former President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo
- George Obiozor, current President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo
- Senator Ike Ekweremadu, former Deputy President of the Senate
- Senator Sam Anyanwu, former Governor of Imo State
- Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, former Governor of Anambra State
- Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth
- Professor Ben Nwabueze, renowned scholar and lawyer
Key Outcomes
The meeting focused on the need for Nigeria's restructuring, with the Igbo leaders emphasizing the importance of a federal system that recognizes the diversity of the country. Some of the key outcomes of the meeting include:
- Call for a National Conference: The Igbo leaders called for a national conference to discuss the restructuring of Nigeria, with a view to creating a more equitable and just society.
- Emphasis on Federalism: The meeting emphasized the need for a federal system that recognizes the autonomy of the regions and allows for greater devolution of powers to the states.
- Demand for Resource Control: The Igbo leaders demanded greater control over the resources of the South-East region, including the oil and gas resources.
- Call for Inclusive Governance: The meeting called for more inclusive governance, with a greater representation of the Igbo people in government and other areas of national life.
- Emphasis on Economic Development: The Igbo leaders emphasized the need for economic development in the South-East region, with a focus on infrastructure development, job creation, and poverty reduction.
Reactions
The meeting has generated significant reactions from various quarters, including:
- Support from other ethnic groups: Some other ethnic groups, such as the Yoruba and the Hausa-Fulani, have expressed support for the Igbo leaders' call for restructuring.
- Opposition from some Nigerians: Some Nigerians have opposed the call for restructuring, arguing that it could lead to the break-up of the country.
- Government Response: The Nigerian government has not made any official response to the meeting, but some government officials have expressed skepticism about the feasibility of restructuring.
Overall, the meeting of Igbo leaders has sparked a national conversation about the need for Nigeria's restructuring, with many Nigerians calling for a more inclusive and equitable society.