•Ohanaeze Ndigbo
A group under the aegis of the South East Leaders Assembly (SELA) has called for the establishment of a new socio-cultural and advocacy platform to promote the interests of the Igbo people and strengthen their voice in Nigeria’s political landscape.
In a statement titled, “South East Leaders Assembly: The Needed Socio-Cultural Pressure Group,” Ambassador Prince Decson said the Igbo nation requires a united and credible platform capable of advancing its collective aspirations, ensuring greater participation in national affairs.
According to him, other major ethnic nationalities in Nigeria have continued to maintain significant influence in the country’s leadership through well-organised socio-cultural groups that consistently advocate the interests of their people, reports The Guardian.
He argued that the Igbo nation has, over the years, suffered political marginalisation due to what he described as a lack of unity, organisation and a formidable structure to articulate its collective interests.
Decson expressed concern over the current state of Igbo representation at the national level, saying the existing socio-cultural structure had failed to effectively serve as the authentic voice of the people.
“The Igbo nation needs a united voice in Nigeria’s political space to secure relevance and a stronger sense of belonging in the country’s political equation,” he said.
He noted that despite the contributions of the Igbo people to Nigeria’s economy, commerce, and education, they remain underrepresented in positions of authority and strategic decision-making.
According to him, the challenge is not a lack of capacity but the absence of a coordinated platform through which the region can speak with one voice on issues affecting its people.
Decson therefore proposed the South East Leaders Assembly as a new socio-cultural action and pressure group that would provide purposeful leadership and promote unity among Ndigbo.
He said the proposed body would offer a clear vision and strategic direction for the region while serving as a credible platform to engage governments and other stakeholders on matters affecting the South-East.
