By Destiny Obinna
The Imeobi Igbo Forum (IIF), a pan-Igbo socio-political organisation, has called on Igbo people to strengthen unity and collectively pursue issues affecting the South-East.
The group made the call in a statement by its President, Chief Ikegulu Chukwukpezie, titled, “What Is There for Ndigbo from the First Lady?”
IIF questioned the political significance of recent engagements involving the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, and some Igbo political leaders, particularly in relation to the 2027 general elections.
The organisation also revisited comments it attributed to the First Lady during the 2019 elections in Lagos, alleging that she made remarks concerning Igbo residents in the state. It questioned whether her recent interactions with the Igbo community represented a change in position.
The group further challenged Igbo political leaders who have publicly expressed support for President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC), asking what concrete benefits the South-East had received from the administration.
According to IIF, Igbo leaders should use their political engagements with the Federal Government to push for specific demands concerning infrastructure, appointments, economic development and security in the region.
The organisation listed the continued detention of youths accused of involvement with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN), federal appointments, infrastructure projects and access to loans among issues it wants addressed.
It also raised concerns over the state of major roads in the South-East, the lack of a functional seaport in the region and the development of rail infrastructure.
IIF also called for greater attention to the South-East’s gas resources and improved development of transport infrastructure, including the Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway.
The group questioned why some Igbo political and business leaders continue to support the current administration despite what it described as inadequate attention to the region.
It urged Igbo leaders and the wider community to prioritise collective interests and demand measurable commitments from political leaders seeking their support ahead of the 2027 elections.
The organisation also encouraged Ndigbo to strengthen internal solidarity and emulate other ethnic groups that, according to it, have consistently promoted their collective interests in national politics.
