Gas Pipeline: Ohanaeze Presidents Fault Exclusion of S’East from Infrastructure

Lawrence Ndubeze, Awka

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Forum of State Presidents has condemned the exclusion of the Southeast region from Nigeria’s high-pressure gas pipeline infrastructure.

The group made their feelings known on Thursday, during a media briefing in Awka, Anambra State capital.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Rivers State Ohanaeze President, Livingstone Wechie, demanded that the Federal Government should establish gas infrastructure investments in Igbo land to localize benefits for the region.

According to him, “We demand for a deliberate Federal government establishment of Gas infrastructure investment in the Igbo land particularly the South-East where Nigeria has the highest gas deposit with a view to properly localising a reasonable proportion of benefits to the South-East and parts of South-South zones of Nigeria. 

“The exclusion of Southeast Nigeria from the nation’s high-pressure gas pipeline infrastructure is unacceptable. The seeming snub or omission of the region from these critical gas pipeline projects, despite its substantial natural gas reserves and industrial potential, has undoubtedly reinforced longstanding narrative of neglect.”

Wechie urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to secure the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), noting that as long as Kanu remained imprisoned, all Igbo people felt incarcerated.

“As long as Nnamdi Kanu remains unjustly in prison, to us, all Igbos are in jail. We beg you Mr. President to do just one thing for Ndigbo. Look away from any sentiment and release Nnamdi Kanu to us and let Ndigbo have peace.”

Wechie also demanded for the immediate and unconditional release of all Igbo individuals languishing in detention facilities across Nigeria due to the Biafra struggle, including those involved in the 2020 Oyigbo incident in Rivers State. 

He expressed appreciation for President Tinubu’s establishment of the South-East Investment Company and the South-East Development Commission but emphasized the need for more intentional steps towards integrating Igbo people into Nigeria’s governance structure.

“We strongly urge Mr. President to evince his patriotic spirit that he is known for by taking extraordinary intentional steps to fully incorporate and integrate Ndi-Igbo in the governance of Nigeria to give them a fullest sense of their Nigerianness in every sense of the word particularly in the mainstream of economic and political inclusiveness.”

Wechie said the move would ensure full participation of the Igbo in economic and political processes, and equitable distribution of critical infrastructure projects in the region.

He commended Governors Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State and Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State for their support and creating an enabling environment for Igbo advocacy, urging Igbo political leaders to prioritize the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and others to restore peace and confidence in Igbo land.

Wechie warned that any Igbo person working behind the scenes to frustrate the release of Nnamdi Kanu and others would be considered enemies of the Igbo people and would be put to shame.

The Ohanaeze President expressed support for the creation of Anioma State and others, urging the National Assembly and President Tinubu to facilitate their establishment. They also called on the Federal Government and Edo State Government to protect the rights and safety of Igbankes in Edo State. 

He commended Senator John Azuta Mbata’s leadership of Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo Worldwide for promoting unity and peace among Igbos globally, applauding his efforts to advance the interests of the Igbo people and their neighbors.

He encouraged all Igbos, both in Nigeria and abroad, to participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise for their collective benefit.