In a recent interview with Vanguard, Chief Chekwas Okorie, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), responded to critics who claimed that the Igbo community’s decision not to participate in national protests represented a missed opportunity to join forces with other Nigerians in demanding better governance.
Okorie questioned the notion of a missed opportunity, arguing that the Igbo avoided potential destruction and looting by not participating. He emphasized that the decision helped save lives, property, and significant economic assets, which could have otherwise been lost.
Okorie further challenged critics by pointing out the achievements of states in the South-East, such as Abia, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Anambra, where he believes good governance is evident. He said that the Igbo people are not complaining about their local governance and instead urged Nigerians to focus on holding their governors and local governments accountable.
According to Okorie, if critics believe that participation in the protests yielded benefits, they should take that as a matter of personal luck, as he does not see any substantial achievements resulting from the protests.
In his words: “The person who said we lost out in participating in demanding a good government should go to Abia State and see a good government in action. Imo State is experiencing good governance. Enugu, Ebonyi and Anambra states are not left out. In the South-East, we are not complaining. So, Nigerians should begin to also make demands on their governors and local government areas from the huge allocations they are receiving. So, if they think they have achieved anything good luck to them but I don’t think they have.”….Sëe ~ Morê