The recent advocacy by some Igbo leaders within the All Progressives Congress (APC) for closer ties with the national grid, amidst the longstanding backdrop of marginalization and exclusion, prompts a critical examination of their motives. This push comes at a time when the Igbo commune is navigating systemic challenges and is in pursuit of autonomy and self-sufficiency. The timing and zeal of these calls suggest they may be more aligned with personal political ambitions than with a genuine effort to address the deep-rooted challenges faced by the region.
Leaders championing this cause often present themselves as intermediaries between the federal government and the Igbo people, potentially gaining political capital and influence. This positioning could bolster their stature within both the regional and national political arenas. Moreover, by advancing the narrative of national integration, these leaders may be seeking to ingratiate themselves with the central government and its affiliates, aiming to secure ambitions, appointments, contracts, and other benefits. This dynamic could prioritize individual ambitions over the long-term needs and rights of the Igbo region for autonomy and respect.
The historical context of marginalization faced by the Igbo people, from post-civil war economic policies to exclusion from significant leadership positions, cannot be ignored. Calls for integration that do not address these foundational issues of equity and justice appear superficial and possibly diversionary. They sidestep the need to rectify historical injustices and to ensure that any form of national integration is based on genuine respect, equality, and mutual benefits.
Furthermore, advocating for national integration without a concrete plan or safeguards for the Igbo regional interests shows a disregard for the collective aspirations and concerns. It risks perpetuating a cycle of dependency and marginalization, tethering the community’s fortunes to the fluctuating dynamics of national politics rather than the strength of their internal capabilities and resources.
The recent proposal for closer integration with the national grid has sparked discussions on the implications of such a move, especially at a time discerning ndigbo are calling for introspection and self-reliance. Precedents set by leaders such as Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, the late Governor Sam Mbakwe, and former Lagos Governor, now President Bola Tinubu, show that states can achieve significant development independently of the national grid. These instances exemplify the potential of localized governance and self-sufficiency.
Despite facing systemic marginalization, particularly evident in the aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War, the Igbo community has demonstrated resilience and progress with minimal federal support. The ongoing exclusion from the presidency further accentuates the broader issue of national integration and representation.
As discussions on national integration continue, it is crucial to address foundational concerns, such as making seaports, airports, river ports, and jetties operational in the Southeast, and redrawing the railway maps to accommodate major commercial towns in Igboland etc. These infrastructural developments are essential for economic growth and should precede any deeper national integration talks. True integration should promote a partnership that respects regional identities and aspirations, fostering national unity and equitable development.
In sum, while national integration is important for unity and collective progress, the current advocacy by some Igbo APC leaders demands scrutiny. Efforts should focus on genuinely uplifting the community through equitable partnerships rather than serving the narrow interests of individuals seeking political gain. The future should prioritize the empowerment of the Igbo community, ensuring their contributions and needs are recognized and addressed in discussions on national integration.
By Duruebube Chimazuru Nnadi-Oforgu
OBLONG MEDIA UNLIMITED 