Igbo Dilemma: Dr. Obidigbo Bemoans Situation of Igbo People in Nigeria, Proffers Ways Forward

Founder and Chairman of the Osisioma Igbo Foundation, Dr. Chike Obidigbo (Osisioma Igbo), has expressed deep concern over the persistent challenges facing the Igbo people in Nigeria.

In a press briefing at the Best Western Hotel in Awka, on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, Dr. Obidigbo highlighted the severity of marginalization and offered potential solutions.

Dr. Obidigbo recalled the increased attention on the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) since 2014 when the group started advocating for a referendum as the highest form of democracy.

He lamented that despite widespread criticism of IPOB’s methods, there has been no meaningful attempt to address the underlying issues, reminiscent of a renewed Nigeria-Biafra conflict.
He also noted the abandonment of General Gowon’s post-civil war promise of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Reconciliation for the Eastern Region.

Dr. Obidigbo criticized the Nigerian government’s approach, suggesting that the continued isolation of the Igbo people is seen as a misguided strategy for maintaining national unity.

He specifically pointed to President Tinubu’s refusal to rectify the apparent marginalization in the reconstitution of Governing Boards for Federal Tertiary Institutions and Polytechnics, viewing it as evidence of the ongoing exclusion of Ndigbo from the National project.

Further, Dr. Obidigbo examined the cases of Mr. Sunday Adeyemo (Sunday Igboho) and Belo Badejo, President of Myetti Allah, highlighting discrepancies in their legal treatments.
He noted that while charges of treasonable felony were dropped against Igboho, Badejo was acquitted of terrorism charges, raising questions about the equity of the legal system, when compared to related cases in the country.

Dr. Obidigbo also criticized the Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, for publicly stating that the only path to freedom for IPOB leader,t Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is through the courts, despite a Supreme Court decision dismissing his treasonable felony trial.

In light of these issues, Dr. Obidigbo proposed practical solutions to the challenges facing the Igbo people. He expressed hope that divine intervention would eventually bring relief to Ndigbo, signaling a call for justice and equitable treatment within the Nigerian federation.

Dr. Obidigbo’s remarks underscore a significant political and social discourse, emphasizing the need for genuine reconciliation and inclusive governance to address the historical and ongoing grievances of the Igbo people in Nigeria.