The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Forum of State Presidents has condemned the Federal Government for excluding the Southeast from Nigeria’s gas pipeline infrastructure.
Speaking at a media briefing in Awka, the Rivers President of Ohanaeze, Livingstone Wechie, urged the government to invest in gas infrastructure across the Southeast, noting the region’s vast natural gas reserves.
He described the exclusion as unacceptable and said it reinforces a narrative of long-standing neglect, despite the Southeast’s industrial potential.
Wechie also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), saying his continued detention affects the Igbo people’s peace and collective psyche.
While commending President Tinubu for establishing the South-East Investment Company and the South-East Development Commission, Wechie urged more efforts to integrate the Igbo into Nigeria’s governance to foster a sense of belonging and inclusiveness.
He praised Governors Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra and Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi for promoting unity and cooperation, and encouraged Igbo political leaders to prioritize Kanu’s release to restore peace.
The forum also expressed support for creating Anioma State and called on the National Assembly and the President to facilitate the process.
Finally, Wechie urged Igbos at home and in the diaspora to participate actively in the ongoing voter registration to increase their political influence.
