The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

Tag: SOUTHEAST

  • Tertiary Education Fees Hike in Nigeria: Why South East Must Embrace NELFUND

    Tertiary Education Fees Hike in Nigeria: Why South East Must Embrace NELFUND

    By Sebastine Okafor, Ph.D.

    There is a recent outcry about the hike in the fees paid by most higher institutions of learning in Nigeria. The hike affects not only state-owned tertiary institutions but also federal government–owned tertiary institutions. One of the most recent increases is the 60% hike in sundry charges announced by the management of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka—an announcement that triggered public outcry. It has raised questions about the interest of national leaders in the education sector, which received less than 8% of the country’s budgetary allocation between 2022 and 2025.

    Aside from UNN, other universities and institutions of higher learning across the country, such as UNIMED, EKSU, Edo State University, LAUTECH, DUFUHS, and NDU, among others, have made both minor and major increases in tuition and sundry fees. This has generated calls for more investment in education from civil society organizations, foreign agencies, and other stakeholders. Many fear that students may lose interest in education if nothing is done to make it affordable.

    But what many forget is that the federal government, despite a less-than-enthusiastic approach to education funding, has provided a scheme that enables every Nigerian who wants to study to do so without struggling to pay school fees. Some countries, like Germany, Norway, Denmark, Austria, France, and Brazil, charge almost zero tuition, while others, like the USA, Canada, England, Australia, Switzerland, Japan, and New Zealand, charge very high fees. This does not mean that countries with free or low fees place more interest in education. Both groups provide quality education, but the challenge of affordability remains central for students in countries like Nigeria.

    In Nigeria, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2024 introduced the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), a student loan program designed to make higher education more affordable. NELFUND was created under the Student Loan (Access to Higher Education) Act, 2024, to help students who cannot afford school fees and related costs. The program covers both tuition fees and a monthly upkeep allowance for living expenses. The loans are interest-free, meaning students only pay back the money borrowed. Repayment does not start immediately after graduation; it begins two years after completing the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) or once graduates earn a stable income.

    Since its launch, NELFUND has grown rapidly. By late 2025, it had disbursed over ₦116 billion in loans covering both school fees and upkeep allowances to hundreds of thousands of students in public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across Nigeria. One of its main goals is to ensure that no Nigerian student is denied access to tertiary education because of financial constraints. Families that once struggled to pay school fees have been able to rely on the loan scheme to keep their children in school.

    Despite these advantages, many Nigerian students and parents are still not taking full advantage of NELFUND. As a program under the Federal Government of Nigeria’s Tertiary Education Support Programme (TESP), it should be welcomed by everyone, especially those whose education is at risk due to finances. The South East region is the worst affected by this lack of patronage. Recent data shows that only about 81,940 students from the South East have applied for the loan, while other regions, except the South South, had over 150,000 applicants.

    Statistically, the North West has the highest number of applicants with 353,122, followed by the North East with 298,030, the South West with 280,678, the North Central with 234,814, the South South with 113,806, and the South East with 81,940. The question many ask is whether this low patronage reflects the number of tertiary institutions in the zone or is due to a lack of interest. Nigeria’s higher education institutions are unevenly spread across the six geopolitical zones. The South West has the most institutions, totaling 141 federal and state universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. The North West follows with 103, while the South East has the least, only 72 institutions. The North Central has 96, the North East 84, and the South South 110. Even with fewer institutions, the South East must embrace NELFUND to ensure access to higher education.

    It is important for South Eastern students to understand why NELFUND is crucial. Complaining about high fees or educational marginalization will not change the reality. The program provides a direct solution, giving students the funds needed to pay tuition and cover living expenses. By using NELFUND, students can focus on learning instead of worrying about how to pay fees. Families that once feared dropping their children from school can now plan for uninterrupted education.

    Low patronage in the South East also weakens the region’s position in national education programs. If students do not utilize NELFUND, the region continues to rely on complaints rather than practical solutions. Embracing NELFUND allows the South East to catch up with other regions in terms of access to higher education, skills acquisition, and future opportunities.

    Parents and students must act immediately. Applications are simple and can be completed online. Repayment is deferred, and there is no interest to worry about. NELFUND is not just a loan; it is a tool to empower students, reduce financial stress, and improve the quality of education in the South East.

    South Easterners should stop focusing on school fee hikes and complaints about marginalization. NELFUND provides the means to overcome these challenges, as embracing the program can enable students to complete their education without financial burdens, develop their skills, and also contribute to the growth of the region. The success of NELFUND in the South East will show that the people of the region can take advantage of government programs to improve their future, rather than waiting for external interventions or policies that may never arrive.

  • [WATCH] Southeast Retired Customs Officers Hold Annual General Meeting in Enugu

    [WATCH] Southeast Retired Customs Officers Hold Annual General Meeting in Enugu

    …Welfare of retired officers top agenda

    The South East Retired Customs Officers Association convened in Enugu for its Annual General Meeting, bringing together retired officers from across the region to focus on welfare initiatives, shared experiences, and the celebration of life after service.

    The meeting, hosted by Chief Nwabueze Nnamani, a retired customs officer and former Council Chairman of Nkanu West took place on Saturday, 30th August, at his country home in Umuetugbu Oma, Akegbe Ugwu, Enugu.

    While speaking with PACESETTER, the President of the Association, Hon. Uzochukwu Eminent, said the gathering, held once every year, serves as a forum for all retired customs officers from the five Eastern states to come together and address the welfare of their members.

    According to him, the hosting of the AGM rotates among the states, and it was now Enugu’s turn. He acknowledged the positive changes in Enugu made by the current Governor since his early days in the city during his customs service. He said:

    “Coming to Enugu is an eye-opener. Enugu is something else. I started my work here in Enugu in 1979; it wasn’t like this. This Governor came here and made it innovative.

    Other governors should come to Enugu and be briefed on how to govern states. What is seen here is out of this world. It’s a landmark, it’s a masterpiece something you wouldn’t imagine happening in Nigeria. The few days I have spent here make one long to return.”

    Hon. Uzochukwu noted that one of the key problems customs officers face is inadequate funding. He urged the National Assembly to pass legislation ensuring that anyone who serves the country is well taken care of, including access to housing and other basic amenities that support a good quality of life. This, he said, would allow officers to focus fully on their duties without external distractions.

    Chief Sir Nwabueze Nnamani, the chief host, stated that the main purpose of the meeting was to discuss the challenges faced by retirees and explore possible solutions among themselves, while also seeking assistance from external sources.

    Recalling his days in Customs before retiring 15 years ago, he said: “It was interesting, sometimes challenging. I enjoyed my stay in Customs.”

    Barr. C.O.C. Chukwuma, a legal practitioner and retired customs officer, acknowledged that one of the common problems faced by retired officers is poor health. He said that in the course of serving the country, many endured harsh conditions frequent relocations, poor feeding, and inadequate rest.

    “All of these have a big impact on our lives at this old age we are presently in. Most of us who wanted to be here are not here because of health issues,” said Barr. Chukwuma.

    He appealed to the government to heed the cries of South East Retired Customs Officers whenever they speak out, adding that they would be deeply grateful.

    He also advised younger officers still in active service to prioritize their health, noting that health is the foundation for life after service. “The future lies in their health,” he said.

    Emphasizing the health challenges facing many retired officers, Mrs. Okpara Obiageli, wife of a retired customs officer, stated that many retirees are unwell, and a significant number are not yet aware of the Association. She expressed hope that as the AGM continues to rotate across states, more retirees will be encouraged to join.

    The Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, also addressed attendees at the event.

    Following the meeting, members of the Association paid a courtesy visit to Senator Okey Ezea, who is also a retired customs officer. They later toured the city, acknowledging the developmental efforts of the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah. Sites visited included the International Conference Center, Presidential Hotel Enugu, Holy Ghost Bus Terminal, and Gariki Bus Terminal.

    Also in attendance were traditional rulers, members of the Association, and other distinguished guests.

  • Of Southeast Governors and the Rarely Issued Certificate of Occupancy

    Of Southeast Governors and the Rarely Issued Certificate of Occupancy

    By Sebastine Chukwuebuka Okafor 

    The Land Use Act of 1978 placed all lands in every state under the control of the governor, who holds the land in trust for the people. According to the law, anyone who occupies land in Nigeria must do so with the permission of the governor, and that permission is confirmed through a document known as a Certificate of Occupancy, often called a C of O. This document is supposed to be the legal proof that a person has the right to occupy and use a particular piece of land for a number of years—usually 99.

    In the South East region, it is difficult to find people who have genuine Certificates of Occupancy. Even those who try to get it are often discouraged by the long and frustrating process. From Enugu to Abia, Anambra to Ebonyi and Imo, the story is the same—applications stay unattended to for months, sometimes years, and in many cases, they never get approved.

    One of the major reasons behind this delay is the heavy bureaucratic process surrounding land administration in the region. Offices responsible for land matters are often disorganized, with files moving from one desk to another without any sense of urgency. There is little use of technology to track applications, and many of the processes still rely on manual documentation.

    What makes it worse is that several approvals must pass through the office of the governor, and unless there is a personal connection or political interest involved, the process simply stalls.

    There is also the issue of money. In many cases, land applicants are made to pay several fees—application fees, inspection fees, survey approvals, ground rent, and processing charges. Even after all these are paid, there is no guarantee that the C of O will be issued. Some are told unofficially that they must “settle” certain individuals before anything can move forward. This type of exploitation has discouraged honest land users from even starting the process at all.

    Another problem is tied to politics. Land in the South East is not just property—it is seen as power. There are cases where governments deliberately hold back the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy to keep control over certain lands. These lands are later given out quietly to political allies or influential individuals. In some communities, the lands that should be processed and titled for the benefit of the people end up in the hands of those who know how to play the political game.

    It is also important to mention the strong presence of customary land ownership in the region. Many families and communities still operate under traditional landholding systems. In such places, land is inherited and passed down from generation to generation without any formal documents. People do not see the need to go through government procedures because they believe their family history is enough to prove ownership. This belief has created a gap between what the law requires and what people are willing to do. As a result, many governors avoid pushing for full implementation of the land laws so as not to offend traditional institutions.

    Another reason for the low number of issued C of Os is the fear of legal commitment. Once a Certificate of Occupancy is signed, it becomes a binding document. The state cannot revoke it easily. Some governors prefer not to issue them at all so that they can always have the option of reclaiming the land in the future, especially when disputes or government projects arise.

    Many states in the South West have made efforts to reform their land systems by embracing technology, simplifying procedures, and cutting down corruption. In the South East, however, land matters are still trapped in old systems, personal interests, and administrative negligence.

    Until land administration is given proper attention in the South East, the people will continue to suffer. Without proper documentation, investors will remain hesitant, land disputes will increase, and the region will find it difficult to attract meaningful development. A Certificate of Occupancy should not be a favour or a privilege. It should be a right for every qualified land user who follows due process. That is how to build confidence, structure, and a better future.

  • Reps urge President to find lasting solution to insecurity in Southeast

    Reps urge President to find lasting solution to insecurity in Southeast

    The House of Representatives has urged the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to consult with political, traditional and religious leaders in the South-East geopolitical zone to find a lasting solution to the insecurity in the area.

    The call by the lawmakers came a day after gunmen attacked Ishieke Daily Market located in the Ebonyi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State on Tuesday.

    The resolution of the House followed a motion by a member of the Green Chamber, Eze Nwachukwu, on the need to forestall further killings in Ebonyi State.

    On Tuesday, gunmen enforcing a sit-at-home order by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) scared citizens particularly traders around Ishieke and Ukwuachi suburbs of Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State.

    Their actions caused panic as people took to their heels for safety.

    Channels TV

  • 2023 Presidency: APC leaders split over Tinubu

    2023 Presidency: APC leaders split over Tinubu

     

    Governors and top leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, are split over the presidential aspiration of the party’s National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The division is affecting zoning of National Working Committee, NWC, and National Executive Committee, NEC, offices ahead of the February 26 National Convention.

    A top party source told Vanguard, weekend that contrary to perception, Asiwaju Tinubu is not desperate to become president in 2023 but wants agreements to be honoured.

    “Top founders of the party know that President Buhari promised to hand over to Tinubu in 2023. Now if they don’t want to fulfill that promise, they have to sit down with Tinubu and discuss.

    “Tinubu has to be respected. You can’t treat him as nobody and expect him to keep quiet and do nothing. He is a democrat,” the source said.

    Although the APC governors have taken charge of the party, they are yet to agree on Tinubu and a chairmanship candidate. “Some of the governors are for Tinubu and are watching to see how things unfold.”

    According to the source, President Buhari is not averse to a South-easterner succeeding him and may be eyeing a minister from the zone as his successor.

    President Buhari, penultimate week, said his choice of ‘favoured successor’ would shock people, a reason he said he would keep the identify of the person secret.

    ‘Likely successors’

    Some names have been mentioned as the likely favoured successor. They include former president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan; Transportation Minister, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi; Labour and Employment Minister, Dr Chris Ngige; Dr Akinwunmi Adesina; Timipre Sylva and Mr Emeka Nwajiuba, among others.

    On 2023 presidency, the source said the party must find a way to assuage the feelings of Tinubu and some founders of the party, who are gunning for the presidential ticket because “promises were made to them during the formation of the party.

    “If the party cannot fulfil the promises in 2023, the party has to meet and plead with them.

    “If the party treats them with contempt, they are ready to stand their ground and it will affect the party in 2023 elections.”

    APC no longer a political party, but election platform, ex-PGF DG laments

    Meanwhile, the immediate past Director General of the Progressive Governors’ Forum PGF, Salihu Moh. Lukman, has lamented the dwindling democratic fortunes of the ruling All Progressives Congress APC, saying the party was now more of an election platform without any ideological bent.

    Lukman in a statement in Abuja yesterday, described the reality as very disturbing, noting that “APC today, wasn’t the APC of the period 2013 to 2015.”

    He said outside President Muhammadu Buhari, there were very few elected leaders in APC who were still committed to the founding vision of the party to provide leadership to change Nigerian politics.

    He said: “Given where the nation is coming from under PDP, changing Nigerian politics would require departure from requiring citizens to be blindly loyal to elected leaders.

    ‘’It should require that citizens and party members are free to disagree and criticise elected leaders.

    “In other words, politics of change should produce elected leaders who should be highly tolerant and where possible even accommodate disagreements and criticisms as part the process of decision making.

    “These may sound like wishful thoughts. The truth however is that our dear APC is being held captive by some few leaders whose interest is only about imposing themselves as candidates for elections.

    “So long as that is the case, it means what we have as APC today wasn’t the party negotiated and produced out of our legacy parties.

    “Rather than the envisioned party, which allows for internal debates and disagreements among party leaders and members, based on which there could be negotiations and agreements, APC today has been diminished to only an election platform, which is what the founding leaders and members wanted to change.

    ‘’The commitment to change the profile of political parties beyond being election platforms was precisely part of why Nigerians supported the APC in 2015″, he stated.

    He said unlike the case of the PDP, APC was extremely lucky to have a leader in President Muhammadu Buhari who does not meddle in the affairs of the party.

    Lukman added: “Sadly, this became the license for party leaders to abuse the trust of both the President and majority of party leaders and members.

    “Overtime, this has damaged the profile of the APC to the point whereby, based on the conduct of leaders and some elected representatives of the party, it is difficult to associate the APC with its founding vision of change.

    ‘’Problems of intolerance to disagreements and criticisms, with some leaders expecting members to be blindly loyal is becoming a common attribute.

    ‘’Views of party leaders become dominantly decisions of party organs.

    “Even when consultations take place and there is a clear decision, so long as the decisions are not what some few party leaders want, those decisions will not be implemented.

    ‘’It doesn’t matter whether President Buhari was part of the consultations, and in agreement with the decision.

    “Propensity to disrespect decisions and party leaders, including the President, is very high today in APC.

    “Every founding leader and member of the APC must rise to challenge of arresting the drift in the party.

    “Few individual leaders of the party must not be allowed to continue to impose themselves and destroy a party with potentials to provide the needed democratic platform for negotiated resolutions of all the problems of Nigeria.

    ‘’As it is today, APC is the only party where contestation is taking place. Again, thanks to President Buhari who is providing unbiased leadership to the party, it is possible for ordinary members to express themselves, including disagreeing with decisions of leaders of the party.

    ‘’This unique leadership of President Buhari has helped a lot to sustain the hope of both party leaders, members and Nigerians desirous of political change.

    “Beyond the unbiased leadership of President Buhari, there is the need for all party leaders and members committed to the politics of change to ensure the emergence of party leaders at the February 26, 2022 National Convention who must be tolerant to criticisms and disagreements and should not expect members to be blindly loyal.

    ‘’Above all, if APC is to return to its founding vision of driving the process of change in Nigeria, it must produce leaders who would be able to compel elected representatives produced by the party to be accountable to Nigerians.’’

     

    (Vanguard)

  • Opinion: David Umahi Vying for Presidency – Genius or Blunder?

    Opinion: David Umahi Vying for Presidency – Genius or Blunder

    By Dele Sobowale

    “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”

    When Chief David

    Umahi, Governor of Ebonyi State, decamped from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on whose ticket he was elected, to the All Progressives Congress, APC, my first instinct was to denounce his lack of principles. He still stands charged; but, something about his move was fascinating. It was the breath-taking move of a Chess Grandmaster. It was time to sit back and watch. With his declaration to run for President in 2023, a few weeks ago, at least one aspect of his strategy is now clear. As the Governor of the smallest and poorest state in the South-East; and not as nationally exposed as some other candidates, he now surprisingly occupies an enviable position in the race. Luck has already placed him in a strategic position in APC. Here is why:

    Millions are campaigning for him free.

    Hitherto, it has been an assumption, at least in the South, that to have millions campaigning for you means you must have tons of money to spend. Ordinarily, that would have made Umahi a non-starter. Furthermore, the South-East has been solidly behind the PDP from 1999. Two cracks came in Anambra and Imo states. Till now PDP has been unable to find its way back to Government House in Anambra and Imo. Meanwhile, the South-East has gone against the current ruling party – on account of the treatment of IPoB and its leader – Kanu. But, by decamping to APC and moving against the current in Igboland, he is now the only Igbo presidential candidate in APC.

    Unless other Igbo candidates enter the race, everybody campaigning for a southern candidate is working partly for Umahi. Those who have been canvassing for Igbo presidency, like me, now have only Umahi to benefit from our efforts within APC.

    Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, a Yoruba, supposed to be from Lagos State, and said to be stupendously rich, is already a declared candidate. Yet, since Tinubu’s announcement, I have heard and read more opposition to his bid – even from Lagos and Yoruba voters – than those against Umahi. Yet, Umahi has not even stepped into Lagos or the South-West to campaign. Tinubu fares only a little better or worse than Vice President Osinbajo among the people in Yorubaland. Supporters of the two Yoruba candidates are at daggers drawn on the matter. Though undeclared, the VP is already seen as an enemy of the Asiwaju supporters; the hostility goes both ways.

    The South-West is set to re-experience the sort of bitter politics characterising the feud between Awolowo and Akintola in the 1960s. As if history is about to be repeated, Akintola was Awolowo’s subordinate, who rose against his former boss in a contest for power. The wounds have not fully healed from the political war in the ‘Wild West’. Nobody is paying attention to Umahi; and he might become a beneficiary of the Tinubu-Osinbajo face-off in Yorubaland. The zone has several examples of politics with bitterness to make that a distinct possibility.

    Ohaneze is certainly working for him. Each time the pan-Igbo organisation clamors for Igbo candidate, Umahi smiles. At least in APC he is the only choice right now until other Igbo candidates step forward. Ordinarily, that would suggest that Umahi is in a comfortable situation. Unfortunately, in the quick sand of Nigerian politics, he is vulnerable for the same reason he is fortunate to be the only Igbo aspirant in APC so far. One APC chieftain told me why the “man is wasting his time”. According to him, “Umahi spent all his time in the PDP, was voted Governor twice; then finding himself in the wrong place, he decamps to APC. Now, he wants to claim the biggest prize in Nigerian politics while bringing nothing to the party.

    “He is from a poor state; has very little money; Ebonyi is the smallest state in the South-East and he is a local champion. He has no national network. Can such a candidate expect the party to leave Tinubu or Osinbajo and field him?” That, in a nutshell, is the question Umahi must answer; those are the ‘Goliaths’ this David must conquer.

    Fortunately, for Umahi, all is not lost. More than ever, this is one presidential campaign which will be largely influenced by the media – including social media. He can up his game by performing well during media exposures.

    Ohaneze, Igbo Leaders, IPoB and Presidency

    “Two parallel lines can never meet” -Geometry

    Ohaneze and other Igbo leaders have my sympathies. They are stuck on two parallel tracks which can never meet – at least as far as 2023 presidential election is concerned.

    First, they feel compelled to demand for the unconditional release of Kanu, the leader of IPoB – whose is facing several charges in Abuja. Second, they also want other Nigerian ethnic groups to concede the presidency to the South-East partly as a gesture to stop the agitation for secession in Igboland. To some extent, the two demands are mutually exclusive; mostly because of IPoB. Let me declare, once again, that I view IPOB’s demand or any other group for self-determination as legitimate. It is a right universally acknowledged and which people in other parts of the world have been exercising. The United Kingdom just underwent a plebiscite to determine if one of its constituent parts would remain in the kingdom. The skies did not fall. Several thousand people in California, USA are still busy collecting signatures in a legitimate bid to leave the United States of America.

    There is no violence involved; either by the agitators or by the Federal Government.

    To be quite candid, the FGN has mishandled the matter — right from the time of MASSOB. They have criminalised activities which elsewhere were settled by voting, i.e. referendum. Unfortunately, the agitators also fall into traps by giving the FG the excuse that they are fugitives from the law. Let me stop there for now;in order to get to the main point of this article.

    When Igbo leaders ask Buhari to release Kanu by saying “go and sin no more”, they make two assumptions. One, that Kanu and IPoB accept they are criminals – which is doubtful. Two, that Kanu and IPoB will actually stop agitating for the creation of Biafra. This is even more unlikely. Kanu and IPoB have become inseparable. Igbo leaders might as well ask him to go and commit suicide. He will not keep quiet. And, his continuing agitation for secession works against the quest for Igbo President.

    From evidence available to us, neither the All Progressives Congress, APC, nor the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, appears to be too keen on presenting an Igbo candidate. Non-Igbo people, like me, who have been advocating for Igbo President in 2023, know the response we receive most of the time from other ethnic groups. It is at best regarded as a last resort; at worst, a non-starter.

    From my own experience, the main reason for resistance lies in the failure of Ohaneze and other Igbo leaders to start the process of engaging the people and leaders of other ethnic groups in the advocacy. The most common question I am asked is: have you heard of any of their candidates going to other parts of Nigeria, establishing networks, making friends? The impression in other parts of Nigeria is that Igbo are waiting for the rest of the country to come and deliver the presidency to them on a silver platter.

    By contrast, one other candidate (name withheld), who declared two weeks ago, has already been seen in at least seven states – five of them outside his own zone.

    STAKES ARE HIGH

    The stakes are high for Igbo; and for Nigeria as well. It has probably never occurred to all of us that failing to elect an Igbo President in 2023 will mean that few people over the age of 60 will ever live long enough to see one – especially if the presidency shifts South again. By then, the frustration, anger and sense of injustice driving IPoB will claim more adherents. In time, Kanu and IPoB might even be regarded as benevolent.

    In that connection, the frequently reported romance between former President Jonathan and APC is a joke that should not continue. In all the three elections for the presidency – 2007, 2011 and 2015 – Igbo gave him over 95 per cent of their votes.

    They were his most loyal supporters. It would amount to ingratitude of the worst kind if GEJ allows himself to be used to frustrate the presidential ambition of Igbo people. He should put an end to the nonsense by categorically opting out of the 2023 race. He is one opponent Igbo candidates don’t deserve.

    (Vanguard)

  • PRESS RELEASE: 2023 PRESIDENCY: CONCERNED IGBO STAKEHOLDERS FORUM CONDEMNS NORTHERN ELDERS FORUM’S POSITION

    PRESS RELEASE

    2023 PRESIDENCY: CONCERNED IGBO STAKEHOLDERS FORUM CONDEMNS NORTHERN ELDERS FORUM’S POSITION

    The Concerned Igbo Stakeholders Forum (CISF) has condemned a comment made by Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the spokesperson of the Northern Elders Forum, which suggested that the North was ready to hold power beyond 2023.

    The leader of the Concerned Igbos Stakeholders Forum, Mr. Chukwuma Okenwa, in a statement released in Enugu, described such comments as very disappointing and an aspersion to the intelligence and patience of southerners.

    According to him, such comments are capable of exacerbating the already fragile peace of the country. Thus, further fueling secessionist movements in the country.

    He said that Hameed Ahmed-Baba had insinuated in a recent media report that the North has what it takes to hold power beyond 2023 and should not cede political power to the South. In a quote, “We must lead Nigeria the way we have always led Nigeria, not because we are better than anybody else but because we have the majority of the votes,” is what he said.

    Mr. Okenwa said in the spirit of equity and fairness that a president from southern extraction, specifically the southeast, should be a non-negotiable agenda. According to him, Southern Nigeria is more united than ever; and will vehemently resist any attempt to impose a Northern President on Nigerians come 2023.