Ohaneze Ndigbo, the Igbo socio-cultural group, on Monday called for a review of Nigeria’s democratic structure, demanding regional government and a review of the nation’s constitution.
They also called for the enthronement of the principles of equity and fairness noting that this will help Nigeria achieve all-round development and solve its political and economic challenges.
These were part of the demands contained in a communiqué issued by Ohanaeze at the Summit held on Monday in Awka, the Anambra State Capital.
Other demands of the group in the communiqué which was read by former CBN Governor, Charles Soludo includes a proposed single six-year term for the president, rotational presidency, five vice presidential seats for equal representation, resource control by states, removal of the state of origin clause and the creation of a merit and equal opportunities commission to replace the federal character commission.
The President of the Ohaneze, John Nwodo also at the event called for equality in the affairs of Nigeria. He added that he is not the sole convener of the summit.
“It is driven the by majority of our people. The planning and strategic committee is derived from all strata of the Igbo society. All states, all segments and all opinion and thoughts. We went on town all meetings and derived the opinion and views of the majority of our people.
“You can say that we propelled this but it is not just us that did it, it is the people that did it,” he said.
He added that the system has put out a structure that is nepotist and marginalised the Ndigbo people.
“The system is devoid of a balance. The indices are so clear for all to see. We have the lowest number of states among the geo-political region. Even amongst us, we have only 95 local governments which is not up to the sum of two local governments in one of the zones,” he said.
Also in attendance at the event are the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, former APGA Chairman Victor Umeh, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Niger Delta Leader Edwin Clark, representatives of the Yoruba socio-cultural group Afenifere, the Niger Delta and the north-central among others
