Okoi Obono-Obla|6 December 2015|12:29pm
The Igbos cry of marginalization and injustice and dismissed Nigeria as a “zoo”! Is it true that the Igbos are marginalized? From my research the Igbos cannot be said to be serious when they vehemently argue that they are marginalised save the word ‘marginalization’ has another meaning.
An Igbo man was Vice President of Nigeria from 1979 to 1983; Admiral Ebitu Ukiwe was Vice (military )
President to Military President Ibrahim Badamsai Babangida in his capacity as Chief of General Staff.
Between 1999 to 2007, four Igbo politicians were Senate President of the Country, namely, Senators
Evan Enwerem; Dr Chuba Okadigbo; Adophus Wabara; Pius Anyim. Also in the Babangida
transition period, an Igbo politician emerged the Speaker of the House of Representatives. He was
Honourable Anekwe. An Igbo politician was the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives from 2007 to 2011. His name is Honourable Emeka Ihedioha. An Igbo politician Senator Ekweremadu
has been Deputy Senate President from 2003 till date.
President to Military President Ibrahim Badamsai Babangida in his capacity as Chief of General Staff.
Between 1999 to 2007, four Igbo politicians were Senate President of the Country, namely, Senators
Evan Enwerem; Dr Chuba Okadigbo; Adophus Wabara; Pius Anyim. Also in the Babangida
transition period, an Igbo politician emerged the Speaker of the House of Representatives. He was
Honourable Anekwe. An Igbo politician was the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives from 2007 to 2011. His name is Honourable Emeka Ihedioha. An Igbo politician Senator Ekweremadu
has been Deputy Senate President from 2003 till date.
An Igbo was Chief of Staff Nigerian Army from 2011 to 2014. He is retired General Ihejirika. Michael Okiro was Inspector General of Police. Also Mr Onovo was also Inspector General of Police. Retired Air Marshall Paul Dike was Chief of Defence Staff. Vice Admiral Ezeoba was Chief of Naval Staff . Also Retired Admiral Madueke was Chief of Naval Staff.
There are numerous Igbo jurists in the Federal High Court; Court of Appeal and Supreme Court of Nigeria. Retired Honourable Justice
Rosemary Ukeje was Chief Judge of the Federal High Court. As far back as 1976, late Honourable Justice Dan Ibekwe was the First President of the Court of Appeal. Another Igbo jurist late Honourable Justice Augustine Nnanami would have been Chief Justice of Nigeria but he unfortunately slumped and died.
Rosemary Ukeje was Chief Judge of the Federal High Court. As far back as 1976, late Honourable Justice Dan Ibekwe was the First President of the Court of Appeal. Another Igbo jurist late Honourable Justice Augustine Nnanami would have been Chief Justice of Nigeria but he unfortunately slumped and died.
There are numerous Igbo generals in the Armed Forces, Police and Para Militaries. An Igbo lady was the Comptroller General of Nigeria
Immigration Service.
Immigration Service.
The current governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria is Igbo. The immediate past Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is an Igbo woman. Before her were Dr Chu Okongwu and Dr Idika Kalu Idika. Also Dr Dozie was one time governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The Igbo have nearly 80 percent of the property market in Abuja through dint of industry and hard work. The Igbo are found everywhere in the Federation doing
business, working hard and prospering. They are well assimilated and integrated in numerous communities outside the South East.
business, working hard and prospering. They are well assimilated and integrated in numerous communities outside the South East.
In Bauchi State in my former party CPC an Igbo man from Imo State was elected in 2011 as a member of the House of Representatives. Presently in the House of
Representatives there are several legislators from the South East originally representing Lagos State .
Representatives there are several legislators from the South East originally representing Lagos State .
The argument that the Igbos are marginalized and unjustly and unfairly treated in Nigeria is tenuous
and therefore baseless.
and therefore baseless.
Okoi Obono-Obla
Is a Human Right Activist & Legal Practitioner
Is a Human Right Activist & Legal Practitioner