Recent statements by Chief Goddy Uwazurike, former President of Aka Ikenga, an Igbo socio-cultural organization, have brought renewed attention to the ongoing struggles faced by the Igbo community in Nigeria. His words serve as a stark reminder of the challenges that persist in fostering true national integration.
In a interview with Vanguard, Chief Uwazurike expressed deep concerns about what he perceives as an institutionalized policy of marginalization against the Igbo people. He asserted that this trend has continued under the current administration led by President Tinubu, stating, “The politics of this country isolated Ndigbo.” This isolation, according to Uwazurike, is not merely incidental but a calculated strategy aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the Igbo community.
The former Aka Ikenga president highlighted a disturbing pattern of scapegoating, where Igbo people are often blamed for various national issues. He pointed to a recent television interview with the Deputy Governor of Lagos State as evidence of this ongoing targeting. When questioned about the controversial “Igbo Must Go” campaign, the Deputy Governor’s response was notably lacking in condemnation. Instead, he deferred to future state government decisions, a stance that Chief Uwazurike found deeply troubling.
“Yesterday, the deputy governor of Lagos was on Arise TV. They were asking him questions, expecting him to condemn the propagators of Igbo Must Go, but he did not. All he said was that the state government would decide on it,” Uwazurike recounted, emphasizing the gravity of such official responses.
The Chief’s words paint a picture of a community feeling increasingly alienated within their own country. He vehemently denied any collective decision by the Igbo to isolate themselves, stating, “Well, I don’t think we ever met anywhere to make that decision. Personally, I was not part of any such meeting.” Instead, he pointed to external forces working to marginalize the Igbo people.
Uwazurike’s call to action was clear and resolute: “So, in this country, we know we are a people who are always targeted for one thing or the other. The targeting has to stop. And we’ll make sure it stops.” His words reflect a determination to challenge and change the status quo, advocating for fair treatment and equal representation for the Igbo community within Nigeria’s diverse ethnic landscape….Seê – Morê