Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Forum of State Presidents has voiced strong criticism against the Federal Government for leaving out the Southeast from the country’s major gas pipeline projects.
At a press conference in Awka on Saturday, the forum, through its Rivers State President, Mr. Livingstone Wechie, demanded immediate federal investment in gas infrastructure across the Southeast, a region known for its rich natural gas deposits.
“We urge the Federal Government to establish gas infrastructure in the Southeast, where Nigeria holds some of its largest gas deposits,” Wechie stated, adding that the continued exclusion is both “unacceptable and unjustifiable.”
He emphasized that the neglect of the region—despite its industrial potential and vast gas resources—feeds into the perception of a systemic marginalization of the Igbo people. “This continued omission, in spite of the Southeast’s huge gas reserves and industrial potential, reinforces the narrative of long-standing neglect,” he said.
Wechie also made a passionate appeal to President Bola Tinubu, calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), noting that his detention weighs heavily on the collective psyche of the Igbo people.
“We appeal to the President to rise above sentiment and release Nnamdi Kanu so that Igbo people can have peace,” he said.
While commending President Tinubu for initiatives such as the South-East Investment Company and the South-East Development Commission, Wechie urged him to go further by adopting more inclusive policies that reflect Igbo representation in national governance.
“This will give them a greater sense of belonging and enhance political and economic inclusiveness,” he noted.
Wechie also praised state governors Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra and Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi for promoting unity and collaboration across the region, while urging political leaders to place Kanu’s release at the forefront of their agenda to stabilize the Southeast.
In addition, he threw his weight behind the proposed creation of Anioma State and called on the National Assembly and President Tinubu to fast-track the process.
He concluded by applauding Ohanaeze’s national leader, Senator John Mbata, for championing unity and advocating for the collective welfare of the Igbo people worldwide. Wechie also encouraged Igbos, both at home and in the diaspora, to actively participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise to strengthen their political influence.
