Abia South Senator Calls for Political Reforms, Raises Concerns Over Southeast Representation
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe has declared that the Igbo people remain the most marginalized group in Nigeria.
Abaribe made the statement during a public event in Abuja over the weekend.
The event was a book presentation for The Power of Nothing: Triumph and Trump of People’s Voice in Enugu by journalist Ikem Okuhu.
The senator expressed his concerns about the political imbalance in the country, particularly the distribution of states.
“The Southeast only has five states, which is unjust,” Abaribe said.
He argued that this political imbalance has contributed to the marginalization of the Igbo people.
“The Igbos are not just sidelined, but disenfranchised in many ways,” he added.
Abaribe was represented at the event by Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) from Abia State.
The book, which focuses on the challenges of the 2023 Enugu State gubernatorial elections, also touches on the resilience of the people and the importance of electoral reforms.
Okuhu’s book highlights the struggles faced by ordinary people during the elections and the alleged electoral irregularities that occurred.
He claimed that the Labour Party was the rightful winner of the election in Enugu.
“The truth is that the Labour Party won that election,” Okuhu said.
Okuhu’s passionate defense of the Labour Party’s victory in Enugu was one of the key moments at the book launch.
He alleged that election results in the state were manipulated, with evidence suggesting that the final results were altered.
“The majority of people voted for Labour, but the outcome was different,” Okuhu said.
He described the process as “stolen,” stating that a single individual wrote all the election results in the state.
The book aims to preserve the history of the 2023 election and document the struggles of the people.
“This book is not about blaming anyone. It’s about telling the truth,” Okuhu explained.
He also emphasized that the purpose of his writing was to make sure future generations understand the challenges faced by the people of Enugu during the election.
Several notable figures attended the book launch, including Senator Okey Ezea and Hon. Mark Chidi Obetta.
The event also attracted 2023 Labour Party gubernatorial candidate, Chijioke Edega.
Abaribe’s comments about the Igbos’ marginalization were a reminder of the deep-seated political issues in Nigeria.
He said that the Igbos have always been progressive and patriotic, pointing to their willingness to move anywhere in the country to build businesses and contribute to national development.
“The Igbo man believes in progress and patriotism. That’s why you see us building businesses in places like Bauchi,” Abaribe explained.
He added that such optimism is a virtue every Nigerian should embrace for the country to prosper.
“The Igbo man is optimistic, and we need to support one another,” he said.
Abaribe’s speech was a call to action for Nigerians to engage more actively in politics.
“Political decisions affect every part of our lives. If you’re not involved in politics, you’re doing yourself and your family a great disservice,” he said.
Abaribe’s comments come at a time when the issue of Igbo marginalization remains a hot topic in Nigerian politics.
The allocation of resources and political power among Nigeria’s various ethnic groups continues to be a source of tension.
In his address, Abaribe emphasized the need for a deep reflection on Nigeria’s political system.
“We need to identify our problems before we can find solutions,” he said.
He concluded by urging the public to stay engaged in politics.
“This is how we will bring about the changes we need,” he added.
The book launch and Abaribe’s speech have once again put the issue of Igbo marginalization in the spotlight.
