On Tuesday, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the leading Igbo socio-cultural organization, praised President Bola Tinubu’s first year in office, stating it surpassed the eight-year tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
This assertion was made in a statement by the group’s Secretary General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro.
In the statement, Ohanaeze Ndigbo also evaluated various ministers in Tinubu’s administration.
They named Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works, as the top-performing minister, followed by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in second place.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, was placed third, and the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, was ranked fourth.
The statement highlighted that these individuals are seen as crucial supporters of President Tinubu’s administration.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo emphasized that Tinubu’s first year has been marked by significant progress, development, and a strong commitment to addressing challenges, contrasting sharply with what they described as the wasteful and detrimental policies of Buhari’s administration.
According to Ohanaeze Ndigbo, during Buhari’s tenure, the Southeast region faced deliberate economic suppression and marginalization.
They claimed that Igbo industrialists and investors were targeted, and harmful policies like open grazing and RUGA land-grabbing initiatives exacerbated insecurity and economic neglect, leading to widespread disenfranchisement and marginalization of the Igbo people.
In contrast, they noted that President Tinubu’s administration has demonstrated remarkable political will to tackle these issues.
They cited the ongoing reconstruction and rehabilitation of major federal highways in the Southeast, led by Senator Dave Umahi, as a key factor in revitalizing economic activity and infrastructure development in the region.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo commended Senator Umahi for his outstanding performance as Minister of Works, acknowledging his diligence, dedication, innovative ideas, and unwavering commitment to his duties, which have significantly improved the perception and acceptance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Southeast.
The organization also praised Nyesom Wike for his visionary governance and pragmatic programs as FCT Minister, and Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo for his strong commitment to national advancement through reforms in the passport sector. Additionally, they recognized Bayo Onanuga’s efforts as a Senior Presidential Media Aide in effectively communicating President Tinubu’s vision for national rejuvenation.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo urged President Tinubu to stop the unnecessary demolition of Igbo properties in Lagos, to release Nnamdi Kanu, and to advocate for trade policies that foster friendly relations and sound economic growth. They also called for the reopening of the Calabar Seaport, emphasizing its potential to boost economic activity, especially when combined with the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Super Highway.
