SOUTH EAST LEADERS URGED TO CHAMPION THE CAUSE OF NDIGBO
Politicians in Igbo land are called to wake up to their responsibility to Ndigbo.
A professor of Government and Public Administration, Professor Jude Udenta made the call while delivering the twenty fourth inaugural lecture of Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT entitled “Ndigbo and the current political Equation in Nigeria: A Parametric out look” .
Professor Udenta acknowledged that all was not well with Ndigbo as they were faced with neglect and marginalization in the areas of state creation, communities/farmers pastoralists conflicts, low and inconsiderable federal presence in Igbo land and national political appointments to mention but a few.
“We have lost a lot, we can be in a better place and if we continue to allow others to exploit us we are going to remain in a disadvantaged when God has blessed us tremendously.“
The Professor noted that during the last administration the Igbos enjoyed various political post, but the question remained what did they do with those positions of power.
According to him, Igbo political leaders have failed to demonstrate to the people and government of the federation of Nigeria that the function of government was to champion ideas and provide solutions to challenges in a sustainable manner.
Professor Udenta called on the Igbo extraction to position themselves to the challenges of the time as a people, adding that they did well as individuals but failed as a people.
“It is good to work as individuals but the collective coordinated act, nothing is better than that. We are an intelligent race, let us put that intelligence to good use.“
In conclusion, he urged the Igbo’s to adopt a missionary orientation for survival in all their endeavours, this he saidrequired making the necessary sacrifices in the interest of the collective good.
Earlier in an address, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Luke Anike was optimistic that the lecture would change the perspective of the society about Igbo issues.
BY NGOZI MBAH