Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has condemned what it called the “glaring exclusion” of qualified persons from the South-East and South-South in recent Federal Government appointments to the boards and top management of key strategic parastatals, including the Bank of Industry and other national agencies.

The apex Igbo body warned that the pattern reflected “a gross compromise of national equity and the principles of Federal Character as enshrined in the constitution.”

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, Ohanaeze said the affected agencies are “frontline drivers of national reforms and economic reinvigoration” and, therefore, must reflect Nigeria’s diversity.

It urged President Bola Tinubu to correct what it described as a “still-redeemable imbalance” in the interest of inclusivity, fairness, and justice.

“We are displeased and concerned with the glaring exclusion of South-East and South-South Nigerians… Such discriminatory appointments and lopsided considerations are reflective of a gross compromise of national equity and Federal Character,” Chukwu said.

“We urge Mr. President to address this still-redeemable imbalance,” the statement read.

While faulting the appointments, Ohanaeze, however, commended the President and National Assembly members for the approval of the South East Investment Company, a subsidiary vehicle under the newly constituted South East Development Commission.

The company is designed to drive regional industrialisation, mobilise private capital, and enhance competitiveness.

Reacting to the development, Ohanaeze President General, Senator Azuta Mbata, hailed the initiative as a transformative economic lever for the zone.

“I do not doubt that apart from its finance generation potentials, this laudable initiative would equally serve as a viable stimulant for sustainable economic ventures in the zone,” he said.

Mbata stressed that SEIC’s private-sector orientation must be matched with strong governance.

He urged stakeholders to insist on professionalism, transparency, and accountability “as key to the general success of the venture.”

Chukwu, in the statement, echoed the call, saying the SEIC offers an opportunity for the South-East to scale industry, attract investment and deliver jobs—provided it is properly run and fully capitalized.

Ohanaeze said its commendation of the SEIC should not be mistaken for silence on national representation.

“Supporting regional development initiatives and insisting on equity at the federal level are not contradictory,” it said.

The group maintained that Nigerians from all zones, South-East, South-South included, must have a fair seat at the table where national economic institutions are led and directed.

The organization urged the Presidency to review the latest parastatal board list and take corrective steps that would reassure marginalized regions and strengthen national unity. (The PUNCH)