The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has expressed strong disapproval over the exclusion of the South-East and South-South regions in recent appointments to the boards of federal parastatals by the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr Ezechi Chukwu, the group denounced the nominations as a violation of national equality and the Federal Character Principle established in Nigeria’s constitution.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide is deeply concerned by the glaring omission of qualified individuals from the South-East and South-South in the reconstitution of the boards and leadership of critical national agencies, including the Bank of Industry,” the statement read.
“These institutions are strategic drivers of Nigeria’s economic reforms and national development. Their leadership should reflect the spirit of inclusivity and unity in service of the nation,” it added.
Ohanaeze urged Tinubu to take immediate steps to address the imbalance, describing the situation as still redeemable.
“We urge Mr President to redress this imbalance in the interest of inclusivity, fairness, and justice,” the group stated.
In another development, Ohanaeze Ndigbo commended President Tinubu and the National Assembly for the approval of the South East Investment Company (SEIC)—a financial and developmental arm of the newly constituted South East Development Commission (SEDC).
Speaking on behalf of the Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, President General Senator Azuta Mbata praised the initiative as a major step toward economic revitalisation in the region.
“This is a commendable move. The SEIC holds vast potential for mobilising private capital, enhancing regional competitiveness, and stimulating industrial growth in the South-East,” Senator Mbata stated.
He also emphasised the need for professionalism, openness, and responsibility in the operation of the investment business, urging stakeholders to support its success.
Ohanaeze reaffirmed its commitment to constructive dialogue and partnership with the federal government while also advocating for equitable representation and sustainable development throughout Nigeria.
![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-450x300.jpg "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")
