Former Military Gov of old Imo State Gen Ike Nwachukwu speaks the minds of Ndi-Igbo during the just concluded south east stakeholders convergence. Nwachukwu stated that, anybody seeking the votes of Ndi-Igbo must show them the clear pathway of his infrastructural road map for south-east Nigeria.
Nwachukwu further stressed that, ndi-igbo can not be minority in a country which their forefathers helped fight for its independence from great britain. He urged the easterns to wake up and stop the internal fight among the governors of south east but rather with one voice, seek the common good, the infrastructural developments, rail lines and seaports of Igbo land.
The Governorship candidate of Abia State during the 2023 general election and an advocate of Gov Alex Chioma Otti, Apostle Dr Ngozika Johnson-Chukwunenye has reacted to the speech of General Ike Nwachukwu, describing it as a wake up message from a General to easterners and political players of all parties.
*Listen to the full speech of Gen Ike Nwachukwu below*
At this point in time, we want to talk to ourselves as South Easterners.
We have gathered here not as partisans, but as stakeholders, leaders and patriots of the South East, because our zone faces a defining moment.
Our unity has been tested by insecurity, economic hardship, political fragmentation and mutual distrust. Silence is no longer an option.
This convergence is convened to restore trust, rebuild consensus, and forge one united voice for the South East, at home and in the diaspora.
We are here today to speak frankly to ourselves, listen to one another, and agree on a common path forward.
*Our Vision And What We Seek*
Me and my colleague conveners of this convergence seek the following:
A peaceful and secure South East where lives, livelihood and investment are protected.
A prosperous South East, driven by regional economic integration, infrastructure, industry, women and youth development, and enterprise.
A politically cohesive South East — not necessarily a one-party state — but a cohesive South East that speaks with one voice, commands respect nationally, and secures its rightful place in the federation. I repeat, a politically cohesive South East, not necessarily a one-party state, but one that speaks with one voice, commands respect nationally, and secures its rightful place in the federation.
A South East anchored on equity, justice, inclusion and respect for our shared values, culture and heritage.
As a collective, the South East should agree to reinvigorate itself.
*Our Capacity To Build*
Our capacity to build — we built the first private citizen airport in Nigeria. We must now resolve to seek the necessary approvals to build our own South East seaport.
Under my leadership, vision and initiative as Military Governor of old Imo State, South Easterners collectively built the Imo Airport, the Sam Mbakwe Airport. What we have done before, we can do again together.
We can build our own seaports and other infrastructures, should we decide to do so as a people.
*Unity Of Our Governors*
Our governors must not abuse themselves any longer. They must work together as a team for the benefit of the South East. The era of public discord amongst our leaders must end.
*Restructuring*
We must continue to call for the restructuring of Nigeria into six political zones, as recommended by the 2014 National Conference, which I had the privilege of leading the South East delegation to.
We need true federalism, which remains the surest path to equity, stability and national progress.
*Rail, Gas, Ports And Infrastructure*
We must demand more rail, gas and port infrastructure from the presidential candidates that are running for office in 2027.
No candidate should expect the support of the South East without a clear, binding commitment to the development of our regional infrastructure.
*One Nigeria*
For so many years, the people have spoken on whether or not the South East wants to remain in Nigeria. We have been Nigerians, we will continue to be Nigerians, and we will believe in one Nigeria.
The South East should be consulted by whoever wants to be President of our country, Nigeria.
*Expected Outcomes*
These are the expected outcomes:
One, a shared understanding of the insecurity, economic and political challenges confronting our region.
Two, clear, actionable resolutions on the above — seaport, restructuring, rail, infrastructure and governors’ unity.
Three, a strong follow-up mechanism, committees and secretariat, to ensure this convergence does not end as mere talk.
Four, a communique that reflects the collective will of the South East and serves as a guide for governors, legislators, ministers, commissioners, political appointees, traditional institutions and stakeholders.
Let us rise from this convergence, not being partisan.
*Conclusion*
For stating clearly that we are South Easterners who have been shut out, our forefathers built this country, we cannot in our time, as a people, now begin to relent. We cannot be a minority majority in a country that our forefathers fought for its independence.
Therefore, our leaders, who have been given the responsibility to represent us, must come together — not minding their parties, but minding the fact that Ndi Igbo, South Easterners, want progress, want infrastructure development.
How, in the name of goodness, can we sit back here and say they are building a new rail line from Lagos to Kaduna, to Kano, to Maradi and so on, and building a gas pipeline from here to all these areas, and none in our place? Our leaders must wake up, for God’s sake. You must come together.
You must come together as a people to represent us. Party is only a vehicle to get into power. When you get there, represent your people.
That is what we are here to do — to tell ourselves all the basic truths, and build one great Igbo, one great South East that will be complementary to Nigeria.
NGOZIABIA 4 ALEX OTTI
Apstl Dr Ngozika G Johnson-Chukwunenye.
MD. FRCS. LLB. LLM. MSc ORTH (UK). TR & ORTHO FELLOW (USA). JP.
_CEO / FOUNDER_
_The Sanctuary Christian Ministries, SCM & The SHOGNA Foundation Int’l._
