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Igbo-American Groups Reject Minister Umahi’s Claims on Marginalisation
Several Igbo organisations based in the United States have strongly refuted assertions made by Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, who claimed that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has effectively addressed the historical marginalisation of the Igbo people.
Disputing the Narrative of Progress
In a collective statement issued on Saturday, these groups labeled Umahi’s remarks as misleading, disrespectful, and disconnected from the lived realities of the South-East region. They emphasized that no significant improvements have been made under the current federal government to alleviate the systemic neglect faced by the Igbo community.
The statement underscored that Umahi’s comments appear motivated by personal political ambitions rather than representing the genuine interests of the Igbo people. They stressed that no single individual, including a sitting minister, holds the authority to speak on behalf of the entire Igbo population regarding issues of marginalisation or self-determination.
Questioning the Minister’s Authority and Intentions
“Senator Umahi’s suggestion that the Igbo should abandon the Biafra movement because the federal government has supposedly resolved their challenges is unfounded,” the statement read. “He lacks the mandate to speak for Ndigbo and should not assume powers beyond his remit.”
Signatories of the statement included Dr. Sylvester Onyia of the American Veterans of Igbo Descent, Ben Nwankwo of Ambassadors for Self-Determination, and Maxwell Dede of The Rising Sun. They accused Umahi, a former Ebonyi State governor, of minimizing the deep-seated grievances of the South-East while aligning himself with Abuja’s political establishment.
Highlighting Persistent Regional Neglect
The groups challenged Umahi to provide tangible evidence of progress since President Tinubu took office, arguing that claims of inclusion and fairness do not align with the everyday experiences of the Igbo people.
“It is an affront to the sensibilities of Ndigbo to claim that marginalisation no longer exists,” the statement asserted. “What concrete benefits has Alaigbo gained since Tinubu’s presidency began?”
They pointed to stalled infrastructure projects as proof of ongoing neglect. For instance, the Umuahia-Enugu railway remains non-operational, while other regions enjoy fully functional and federally supported rail networks.
“Why does the Umuahia-Enugu rail line remain dormant when other parts of Nigeria have active rail services?” they questioned. “Why does the South-East have only five ministers, two of whom are junior, while a single South-West state commands four ministerial positions?”
Economic Infrastructure Deficits Hampering Growth
The organisations also criticized the lack of critical economic infrastructure in the South-East, despite its status as a commercial hub. They highlighted the absence of a functional seaport and cargo airport, which severely restricts trade and industrial development in the region.
“Is Senator Umahi unaware that the South-East has no seaport, even though its people are among the highest importers nationwide?” the statement asked. “There are no major federal industries, maritime projects, or cargo airports here, unlike other regions.”
Concerns Over the Detention of Nnamdi Kanu
The groups condemned the ongoing imprisonment of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), describing it as emblematic of injustice against the Igbo community. They argued that his detention exacerbates mistrust and frustration with the federal government.
“Why is Nnamdi Kanu still incarcerated while known terrorists and mass murderers roam freely?” they asked. “Anyone complicit in his detention is acting against the interests of the Igbo people.”
They further alleged that both foreign entities and certain Nigerian political figures are involved in prolonging Kanu’s detention for their own agendas, fueling feelings of betrayal among Igbos both domestically and abroad.
Critique of Regional Security and Accountability
The statement also criticized the regional security outfit, Ebube Agu, accusing its founders of failing to prevent abuses within the South-East. They called for accountability, noting that criminal activities are frequently misattributed to IPOB and the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
“Those responsible for establishing Ebube Agu must be held accountable for atrocities committed in Igbo land, which are often wrongly blamed on IPOB and ESN,” the groups declared.
Reaffirming the Biafra Movement’s Core Principles
Reiterating their stance, the organisations emphasized that the Biafra agitation transcends political appointments or ministerial representation. They insisted the movement is fundamentally about justice, equity, and the collective dignity of the Igbo people.
“Biafra is greater than any individual, including Umahi,” they affirmed. “This struggle is not about political favors or appeasing Abuja; it is about securing justice, respect, and self-determination.”
Final Position and Call to Action
Concluding their statement, the groups distanced the Igbo community from Umahi’s remarks and reiterated their primary demand to the federal government.
“David Umahi does not represent Ndi Igbo; he speaks solely for himself. Our demand remains clear and unwavering: the immediate release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Anything less is a betrayal,” they concluded.
