News
CSOs Lament S’east Marginalization, Demand Govs, Ohanaeze’s Quick Intervention
By Praise Chinecherem
Concerned Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and citizens of Southeast have raised the alarm over what they termed pervasive rlPPPepresentation and marginalization adversely affecting the region.
The groups, in an Open Letter to Southeast Governors, Legislators, and Leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo said proper representation of the zone was not only critical for addressing unique needs of the people but also essential in protecting their political interests.
The letter, signed by thirty CSOs particularly cited ongoing exclusion of Southeasterners from critical government appointments, namely the National Population Commission board.
The groups described the exclusion as representation of not merely political oversight but direct affront to dignity and rights of the people of the zone.
According to them, the exclusion, coupled with the political leaders’ inactions, had fostered growing sense of disillusionment among the populace, leading to frustrations.
The groups called on the representatives of the region to urgently champion the interests of the Southeast, advocate for their rightful place in national governance as well as challenge the exclusionary practices undermining their collective rights.
They further threatened legal action as means to hold the federal government accountable for the various injustices.
The statement reads, “We, the concerned civil society organizations (CSOs) and citizens of Southeast Nigeria, write to express our profound concern regarding the pervasive issue of representation and marginalization that is adversely affecting our region.
“The ongoing exclusion of Southeasterners from critical government appointments, such as the National Population Commission board, represents not merely a political oversight but a direct affront to our dignity and rights as a people.
“This situation highlights a disturbing trend where the voices of the Southeast are systematically sidelined in significant national discussions.
“This exclusion, coupled with the inaction of our political leaders, has fostered a growing sense of disillusionment among our populace, leading to frustration that demands immediate attention.
“We urgently call upon you, our representatives, to champion the interests of the Southeast. It is essential that you advocate for our rightful place in national governance and challenge the exclusionary practices that undermine our collective rights.
“The principles of federal character must not be allowed to erode under the weight of political machinations aimed at subjugating the interests of the Southeast.
“Our organizations are actively contemplating legal action as a means to hold the federal government accountable for these injustices.
“However, we emphasize that legal recourse alone will not suffice. Mobilizing the electorate and empowering citizens to recognize their collective power is crucial.
“We need to demand greater accountability from those in leadership and advocate for the interests of our region.
“Engagement with CSOs, traditional leaders, and proactive political representatives can significantly amplify our collective voice.
“Together, we should foster a culture of active citizenship that demands transparency and accountability from elected officials. This community effort is vital for reshaping our political landscape.
“We have patiently awaited a strong response from our elected representatives, but the lack of action is disheartening. Let us not allow this moment to pass without decisive action.
“We call on you to take our pleas seriously and initiate a united effort for change. Proper representation of the Southeast is not only critical for addressing our unique needs but also essential in protecting the political interests of our citizens.
“Together, we can reclaim our narrative and ensure that the concerns of the Southeast are prioritized in national discourse.
“Well look forward to your earnest response and meaningful action.
Sincerely,
- Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC)
- Citizens Centre for Integrated Development and Social Rights – (CCIDESOR)
- Nchekwa Ndi Ogbenye Foundation
- Better Community Life Initiative (BECOLIN)
- SISTERS WITH A GOAL INITIATIVE SWAG.
- OÑÚRÚBÉ COALITION AGAINST GENDER BASED VIOLENCE
- Institutional and sustainable development foundation ( ISDFoundation)
- Advocates for Accountability and Inclusion in Africa (AAIA)
- Good Samsuji Global Rescue Foundation Inc.(SAGRE Foundation)
- Serene Society Initiative (Serene)
- Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development FENRAD Nigeria
- Alliance for Inclusive Development-AIDAfrica Centre For Rural Economic & Social Development CREESOD
- Center For Rural Economic & Social Development CREESOD.
- Alliance for Inclusive Development- AidAfrica
- Foundation for Livelihood Advancement
- Neighborhood Environment Watch Foundation,
- Neighborhood Environment Watch Foundation
- Alliance for Inclusive Development- AidAfrica
- Foundation for Livelihood Advancement
- Center for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS).
- Ethics and Corporate Compliance Institute of Nigeria
- Vivacious Development Initiative (VIDI)
- Vision Spring Initiatives
- Women Empowerment Education and Peace Building Initiative
- Igbo National Congress -INC
- Igbo Union – Nzuko Ndi-Igbo
- Centre for Rural Economic and Social Development, CREESOD
- Global Health Awareness Research Foundation (GHARF) Owerri.
- Windows Welfare Foundation (WIWEF)
- Okigwe Think Tank
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