The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, on Sunday counselled President Ahmed Tinubu to replace any failed ministers who have performed below the expectations of Nigerians in their various ministries with competent hands, adding that Nigerians are running out of patience.
In a statement obtained by The Guardian in Abakaliki, the Secretary General of the Chidi Ibeh-led faction of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, noted that the counsel became necessary following an anticipated cabinet reshuffle scheduled for October 1, 2024. He added that the bad economy and insecurity situations ravaging the country, which have placed untold hardship on Nigerians, need to be nipped in the bud as the people will no longer accept any excuses.
Mazi Isiguzoro further stated that some ministers have performed credibly in their various ministries, singling out the Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, as those ministers who have done well.
According to him, Ohanaeze Ndigbo emphasises the pressing need for President Tinubu to reward the Southeast with additional ministerial slots, adding that the region boasts an array of capable and proficient Igbo, like Sen. Umahi, who have significantly contributed to the realisation of the President’s economic aspirations and transformative policies.
The statement read, “The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the foremost socio-cultural organisation representing the interests of the Igbo people, hereby conveys its deliberate and resolute findings regarding the performances of key ministers within President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
“With forthcoming cabinet reshuffles on October 1, 2024, it becomes imperative for us to judiciously assess and spotlight the commendable contributions made by these individuals, while also advocating for bolstered representation from the Southeast region.”
Isiguzoro noted the renewed enthusiasm among Nigerians, particularly the Igbo, following the recent bilateral agreements between Nigeria and China during President Tinubu’s diplomatic visit, calling these agreements pragmatic measures that could alleviate the country’s economic hardships.
He added, “In recent weeks, the palpable enthusiasm among Nigerians, particularly Ndigbo, has been notably invigorated by the bilateral agreements formalised between the governments of Nigeria and China during President Tinubu’s momentous diplomatic visit. We regard these agreements as bold, pragmatic measures that possess the potential to significantly enhance the welfare of our citizens and alleviate the protracted economic hardships that have beleaguered our nation.
“These initiatives, if fully implemented, will bolster not only the economy but also President Tinubu’s standing in history as a transformative leader capable of enacting long-lasting developmental policies. A focal point of our interest lies within one of the seven pivotal agreements.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo extends heartfelt gratitude to President Tinubu’s administration for the invaluable appointments of Senator Dave Umahi and Barrister Nyesom Wike. We ardently appeal for their retention in their respective portfolios.
“To efficiently transition Nigeria’s economy from a state of overreliance on consumption to a vibrant production-focused model, it is imperative that President Tinubu injects Igbo ingenuity into his administration by empowering competent professionals through enhanced representation in sensitive ministries.
“Such strategic appointments will undoubtedly alter the narrative fueled by detractors and catalyze favorable outcomes, thus restoring the confidence of Nigerians and quelling the discontent that occasionally surfaces in various regions.
“In conclusion, Ohanaeze Ndigbo calls upon President Tinubu to consider the retention and elevation of dedicated leaders from the Southeast as a strategic move towards reinforcing national unity, fostering economic resilience, and realizing a truly renewed hope for all Nigerians.”