South East political, traditional, religious and business leaders met weekend in Owerri on how to drive sustainable unity, infrastructure and development in the region, raising a nine-point communiqué as yardstick.
The meeting was convened by Rear Admiral Ebitu Ukiwe (rtd), Sen. Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (rtd), Admiral Alison Madueke (rtd), Chief Ozichukwu Chukwu, Chief Gary Igariwey, and Prof. Uche Azikiwe, under the auspices of South East Stakeholders Convergence and had Sen. Nwachukwu as Chairman.
At the well attended South East Stakeholders’ Convergence (SESC)
meeting held at the Banquet Hall of Government Owerri by key Igbo leaders from diverse professions and vocations, Governor Hope Uzodimma, the host, advised the South East leaders to negotiate their interests with the Federal government and stop the incessant recourse to lamentation on marginalization.
Uzodimma said: “Unite, rethink your political strategies and collectively negotiate the interests of the Southeast with the Federal Government.”
Uzodimma said the time had come for the region to move beyond internal divisions and adopt strategic thinking to secure its place in Nigeria.
He urged Igbo leaders to distinguish personal interests from collective development, stressing that political influence could only be achieved through constructive engagement and negotiation.
“The first thing this meeting must agree on is how to sit down with the man in power and negotiate our interest,” he said.
The Governor also called for stronger collaboration among Southeast Governors and stakeholders, urging them to support the South East Development Commission in delivering regional development.
He further advocated reforms in the region’s approach to politics, investment and economic development, noting that government and the private sector must work together to drive infrastructure and prosperity.
Uzodimma maintained that the South East must remain actively involved in Nigeria’s political process, warning that withdrawal and internal fragmentation would undermine the region’s common interests.
He recalled that many Igbo leaders like late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe sacrificed a lot alongside other founding fathers of the Nation, and that the current Igbo leaders must not take such sacrifices for granted with regard to their role in contemporary Nigerian sociopolitical activities.
Uzodimma further advised Igbos to distinguish themselves in whatever areas of endeavour they find themselves, whether in private or public sectors.
The stakeholders resolved to present a unified regional voice, and urged the governors to end public disputes and collaborate.
The key demands include restructuring Nigeria into six geopolitical zones, securing federal approval for a private South East sea port, and conditioning support for presidential candidates on binding commitments to regional rail and gas infrastructure.
The forum declared that the region will no longer play second fiddle, requesting a presidential meeting and creating a permanent secretariat to monitor implementation.
In his remarks, former Military Governor of old Imo State and Chairman/Convener of SESC, Senator (Gen.) Ike Nwachukwu, called on leaders and stakeholders in the South East to rise above partisan differences and unite to advance the region’s political and economic interests.
Nwachukwu said “insecurity, economic hardship, political fragmentation and mutual distrust had tested the unity of the Southeast,” stressing the need for collective action.
He advocated regional economic integration, improved infrastructure, industrial development and youth empowerment, while urging South East Governors to work together and end public disagreements.
Nwachukwu also called for the establishment of seaports in the region, improved rail and gas infrastructure, and the restructuring of Nigeria into six geopolitical zones in line with the recommendations of the 2014 National Conference.
Recalling the collective effort that led to the construction of the former Imo Airport, now Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Nwachukwu said the South East could achieve similar infrastructure projects through unity and determination.
“We are Ndigbo. We are South Easterners. We must move forward with one agenda, one voice and one commitment,” he declared, urging political leaders to prioritise regional development over Party affiliations.
Contributing, former Governor of old Anambra State, Sen. Jim Nwobodo, urged Igbo leaders to unite across Party lines and work collectively to advance the interests of the South East. He advocated regular meetings rotated among South East States to strengthen consultation and ensure inclusive participation.
He commended Governor Uzodimma for supporting the initiative, expressing optimism that collective efforts would produce positive results for the Igbo people.
Former President of the Senate, Anyim Pius Anyim, also urged Igbo leaders to unite, strengthen consultations and adopt strategic approaches to addressing the region’s challenges.
He stressed the need for strategic political engagement, saying, “we should know when to shout and when to keep silent.”
Anyim urged the stakeholders to identify common interests and agree on a collective path forward.
Former Ohanaeze Ndigbo Chairman, Chief Ozichukwu Chukwu, advocated regional economic integration, improved security, youth empowerment and strategic political engagement.
He called for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, describing him as a “prisoner of conscience,” and urged Igbo leaders to negotiate collectively, declaring: “We are not beggars. We are asking for our rights.”
Others who spoke at the event such as Dame Josephine Anenih and Prof Osita Ogbu maintained that unity of purpose among Igbo leaders and stakeholders remains a critical pathway to addressing the numerous challenges confronting the region.
Mrs. Anenih made a strong case for the women be carried along in whatever plans are afloat to better the lot of the Igbos.
Former Peoples Democratic Party presidential aspirant and entrepreneur,
Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa in his submission called for measurable implementation plan to achieve the set goals.
The nine-point communique which was read by the former Governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Okakim, got a nod from all the participants after a motion for its adoption was moved by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu.
The Deputy Speaker had earlier in his remarks thanked the organisers and Governor Uzodimma for sponsoring the meeting and reiterated the need for the unity of the Igbo in the country.
He said the current leaders in the region must leave something worthy of emulation behind to the younger ones, pointing out that “unity of purpose” must be one of the things the young Igbo leaders would want to inherit from their fathers.
*Oguwike Nwachuku
Chief Press Secretary/Special Adviser Media to the Governor
