Joe Igboekwe warns that the growing marginalisation of the southeast could have dire consequences

ALL Progressives Congress (APC) leader in Lagos State Joe Igboekwe has expressed concerns about the possible dire consequences if the perceived marginalisation of the southeast geo-political zone in national affairs continues.

Since 2015 when former President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office, the southeast has complained bitterly about being marginalised when it comes to federal appointments. This perception, along with the activities of armed Fulani cattle herdsmen, who go around unleashing terror on rural farming communities has fuelled calls for secession and the creation of a breakaway Biafran republic across the southeast.

In 2023, President Bola Tinubu assumed office and there is a belief that this marginalisation has continued, prompting calls for the federal government to address the issue. Mr Igboekwe, the former publicity secretary of the Lagos State chapter of the APC, who is of Igbo extraction himself, took to Facebook to war that the continued neglect of the region could have serious consequences for Nigeria.

Mr Igboekwe wrote: “If Nigeria continues to treat the southeast as if the zone does not exist or does not matter, the consequences will be huge. The civil war has ended but the scars are still there. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere, neglect of the southeast is bad.”

His comments came amid ongoing debates over appointments made by President Tinubu, with critics accusing the government of favouring certain regions over others. For instance, Senator Ali Ndume, who represents the Borno South Senatorial District, warned that lopsided appointments by the current administration could have negative implications.

Responding to the growing concerns, however, the presidency has defended its approach, stating that appointments under President Tinubu are based on merit. However, Mr Igboekwe insisted that the issue runs deeper, referencing historical grievances.