The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, announced that the party is making concerted efforts to end the marginalisation of Igbos and elevate their role in national politics.
Ganduje made this assertion during the APC South East zonal meeting in Abakaliki, highlighting the significant support the Igbos have shown to the party and President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
During the meeting, Ganduje clarified the distinction between marginalisation and the Southeast’s historically low performance within the APC, expressing the party’s commitment to breaking this cycle.
“The present appointments offered the zone by President Bola Tinubu’s administration is heartwarming and with more involvement in the party’s affairs, more would be achieved. We must break this cycle of marginalisation with determination, unity and total support to the party and President Bola Tinubu-led administration,” he said.
He praised Ebonyi for following Imo’s example in promoting the party’s activities and thanked Governor Francis Nwifuru for upholding the party’s principles in the state. Ganduje emphasized the need to bring all stakeholders together to gain control in Anambra, Enugu, and Abia.
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State expressed gratitude to the party leaders for attending the meeting in the state, stating that the party is deeply rooted in Ebonyi and the Southeast.
He mentioned that Ebonyi’s policy of inclusiveness has brought all stakeholders under the APC umbrella. “The massive defection of opposition stakeholders to APC on July 13 attests to the fact that persuasion works more than bickering and fighting,” he said.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, also present at the meeting, remarked on the unfortunate timing of the APC ruling Nigeria during a global economic crisis. The Chairman of the South East Governors Forum noted the severe hardship faced by many citizens, with some slipping into poverty.
“People have to know that there is global economic meltdown with some currencies exchanging 15,000 and 20,000 to one dollar. I however, have hope that if the tested policies of President Bola Tinubu administration, are well implemented, Nigerians would receive the much needed succour,” he said.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, urged the people of the Southeast to support the federal government’s efforts to de-marginalise the zone.
“President Bola Tinubu has given Ndigbo more than the vote cast for him during the elections. It is presently left for us to repay him for his good works because when ones shows appreciation, he gets more,” he said.
Kalu highlighted the president’s appointment of Igbos to significant positions, including high-ranking ministers and the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives.
He also mentioned that the process for the Southeast Development Commission Bill, aimed at addressing the challenges faced by the Igbos, is complete and awaiting the president’s assent.
