The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has urged South-East governors to account for public funds and respect local government autonomy. This was part of the activities marking the 2026 Igbo Day celebration. Ohanaeze expressed concern over persistent public complaints regarding infrastructure deficits, unemployment, insecurity, healthcare, education, agricultural productivity, and the general economic condition of citizens across the South-East.
Ohanaeze demanded stronger mechanisms of fiscal transparency and public accountability in managing state and local government resources. The organisation wants every subnational government in the region to demonstrate the total revenue received, how it was appropriated, what projects were executed, what measurable benefits reached the people, and what remains outstanding. This, they believe, will promote accountability and transparency in governance.
The Chief Jackson Omenazu faction of Ohanaeze charged the governors to account for public resources, respect local government autonomy, and deliver measurable development. Ohanaeze described its demands as legitimate questions in every democracy, stating that it does not seek confrontation with any South-East administration. The organisation anchored its demands on the enduring Igbo principle of “Oguejiofo – Speak Truth to Power.”
Ohanaeze also urged the governors to uphold the constitutional principles governing democratic local government administration. The organisation stated that local governments exist to bring government closer to the people and must not become political extensions of state administrations. The people at the grassroots deserve credible elections, accountable leadership, transparent finances, and institutions capable of responding to their local needs.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo reiterated its call for sustained political and legal engagement towards a peaceful and lawful resolution of the Nnamdi Kanu matter. The organisation noted that the people were entitled to ask what progress had been achieved by the South-East governors towards Kanu’s release, what obstacles remained, and what additional lawful measures could be pursued. A coordinated process involving the Federal Government, South-East political leadership, legal representatives, and credible Igbo stakeholders is required.
On the 2027 general elections, Ohanaeze re-echoed its stand that the odds favour President Bola Tinubu. The organisation called on Ndigbo to participate fully and responsibly in the democratic process, stating that the political future of Ndigbo cannot be secured through isolation. It requires constructive engagement across geopolitical boundaries, credible alliances, issue-based negotiations, and sustained participation in national institutions.
Ohanaeze also renewed its demand for the creation of an additional state in the South-East and called on the Federal Government to sustain concrete action towards the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri Eastern Railway Corridor. The organisation urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts towards completing ongoing federal road rehabilitation and reconstruction projects across Nigeria, particularly strategic corridors connecting the South-East with other parts of the country.
Key points
- Ohanaeze demands accountability and local government autonomy from South-East governors.
- The organisation wants stronger mechanisms of fiscal transparency and public accountability in managing state and local government resources.
- Ohanaeze urges Ndigbo to participate fully and responsibly in the 2027 democratic process.
