— Urges Ndigbo to Embrace Skills Acquisition, Youth Engagement
The Association of Igbo Town Unions (ASITU) has expressed serious concern over unending insecurity and tension in the South East, which situation has continued to gulp countless innocent lives, disrupt social progress, harm the economic fabric of the region, and threaten the overall peace of the country.
In a release signed by the body’s National President,Chief Emeka Diwe, and made available to Newsmen over the weekend,they stated that as a critical stakeholder in the development and stability of the South East, ASITU believes that the root causes of these issues must be addressed in a comprehensive, sustainable, and compassionate manner. We, therefore, present the following tripartite soft security strategy aimed at defusing the current crisis, ensuring long-term peace, and creating a prosperous future for the people of the South East.
“First, we call for the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Kanu has emerged as the symptom of the malady besetting Igboland, and never the cause. With many individuals and groups claiming to be motivated by his cause, it is, however, imperative to distinguish between the legitimate aspirations of pro-Biafran agitators and the criminal elements who have hijacked the movement for personal gain. By releasing Mazi Kanu, the Federal Government will demonstrate a commitment to justice, human rights, and the rule of law. This will go a long way in reducing tensions and separating the true agitators from those engaged in criminal activities. Furthermore, obeying the court orders that have declared his detention illegal will show that the administration is committed to upholding the principles of democracy and due process.
“In the same breath, the Federal Government should consider discontinuing the ongoing trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu through a formal legal process known as nulli prosequi. This will open the door for a genuine process of dialogue between the government and the people of the South East. We believe that dialogue, built on trust and goodwill, is the only sustainable way to address the grievances of the region and restore peace. The release of Kanu should not be seen as an act of capitulation, but as a step toward a constructive conversation on how to heal the wounds of the past and move forward as a united nation.
“Second, ASITU acknowledges that the root cause of the current agitations in the South East is the deep-seated feeling of marginalization that has persisted for decades. The South East region is the only one in Nigeria with five states, while other regions have six or seven, resulting in an inequitable distribution of resources and political power. The Igbo people have long felt left out in key decision-making processes, and this sense of injustice has fueled agitation and resentment. The quota system, which was originally designed to ensure fairness, has been used as a tool of oppression against the South East, limiting opportunities for our people in key areas such as education, employment, and political appointments.
“It is indefensible that out of the thirteen major security agencies in Nigeria, which include Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS),National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Nigerian Army (NA), Nigerian Navy (NN), Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC),
Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), not even one is headed by an Igbo man. Where is the touted federal character? Where is the justice? Today, of the three arms of government, namely executive, legislature and judiciary, none is headed by an Igbo man. In the financial institutions, distribution of infrastructure and appointments into federal parastatals, our people have been glaringly excluded. We hear of railway projects and coastal roads in other parts of the country, yet none passes through our land. For an Igbo chill to secure an admission into a federal school, they have to score more than two times higher than their peers in the other parts of Nigeria.
“Moreover, the pervasive discrimination against the Igbo people across the country cannot be ignored. In many instances, Igbo citizens are targeted and attacked without recourse to justice. In a particularly shocking incident, a traditional ruler in Lagos even threatened to “bury all the Igbo in the lagoon.” These types of threats are not only dangerous but also indicative of the broader climate of animosity toward the Igbo. We call on the Federal Government to take immediate steps to address these systemic injustices. This includes ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of their ethnic origin, has access to equal opportunities and justice under the law.
“The Federal Government must also take concrete steps to address the historical inequities that have contributed to the marginalization of the South East. This includes fair representation in the national government, equitable resource allocation, and a commitment to fostering a culture of inclusivity. Until these issues are addressed, agitations and tensions will continue to simmer and the possibility of renewed violence will remain high.
“Third, ASITU believes that one of the most effective ways to combat insecurity and create a prosperous future for the South East is through the implementation of the Aku Ruo Ulo Investment Initiative. This initiative calls for the steady, gradual, and seamless repatriation of some percentage of Igbo wealth, technical know-how, and investments back to Igbo land. We are aware of the significant contributions of the Igbo people to the economic development of Nigeria and beyond. However, much of this wealth and expertise has remained outside the region, depriving it of the resources needed to foster economic development and create employment opportunities.
“By encouraging Igbos in the diaspora and across the country to invest in their homeland, we can create massive opportunities for economic growth, especially for the youth who are currently being exploited by criminal groups. The focus should be on sectors such as agriculture, technology, manufacturing, infrastructure development, and education, where the South East has untapped potential. The repatriation of investments will not only generate jobs but also create a sense of ownership and pride among the people. This will further reduce the pool of vulnerable youths who might otherwise be recruited into criminal activities.
“In line with this initiative, ASITU also advocates for a comprehensive skills development and entrepreneurship program that targets young people in the region. By equipping the youth with marketable skills, we can create a new generation of leaders who are empowered to contribute positively to the development of the South East. This initiative will complement other efforts aimed at combating insecurity by offering an alternative to those who might be tempted to take up arms.
“ASITU, therefore, calls for the creation of a robust framework for collaboration between the state governments in the South East, the Town Unions, and the private sector. This collaboration should focus on building critical infrastructure, promoting industrial growth, and ensuring that the benefits of development reach every corner of the region. By working together, we can address the economic challenges that have fueled discontent and frustration, and offer our people a better future.
“ASITU has a strong belief that the proposed tripartite security strategy—releasing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, addressing marginalization, and embracing the Aku Ruo Ulo Investment Initiative—provides a comprehensive framework for tackling the insecurity in the South East. This approach is not only practical and realistic but also rooted in the principles of justice, equality, and economic empowerment. We call on the Federal Government, all relevant stakeholders, and the people of the South East to work together to implement this strategy and create a lasting peace that will benefit all Nigerians”.
