Igbo women under the aegis of Igbo Women Assembly (IWA) have slammed the minister of works, David Umahi for saying that president Tinubu has been very kind to the South East.
The women also disagreed with Nollywood superstar, Kenneth Okonkwo, over his recent assertion that it is only a Northern candidate that can uproot President Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
On Monday, Umahi had, in a statement said that the kind of the president may not be there for the South East in 2027.
He therefore, advised Ndigbo to rather support President Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
The Igbo women Assembly have strongly countered the claims by Umahi and Okonkwo.
The group described Okonkwo’s assertion as suspicious stating Umahi manifesting signs of slave mentality and invasive sycophantic malady.
This was confused in a statement by the National President of IWA, Lolo Nneka Chimezie.
The group challenged Umahi to publish what President Tinubu has done specially for the South East to confirm the imaginary special love he has for Ndigbo.
Igbo women expressed disappointment that Tinubu and Buhari are the same in terms of Igbo marginalisation, especially in political appointments.
The group however, acknowledged that the said Marginalization did not start with Tinubu but expressed disappointment that he is not different.
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“May we remind Umahi that Tinubu has not shown that he is different from Buhari in sidelining Ndigbo from political appointments. Is Umahi not aware that two out of five Ministers from the South East in Tinubu’s cabinet are junior Ministers, at a time one state in the South West has three Ministers?
“Can Umahi publish the names of people from South East appointed heads of federal agencies and parastatals by Tinubu for us to know he has been fair to us more than other zones? If he loves Ndigbo as much as Umahi claims, why is our son Mazi Nnamdi Kanu still in detention for over two years since he came to power?
“If President Tinubu truly loves Ndigbo the way Umahi claims, why is the Enugu-Aba rail track still inactive? We hope Umahi is aware that every geopolitical zone now has a regional development commission,” the statement read in part.
“Igbo women regretted that instead of using their privileged positions to advance the Igbo cause, the Igbo political elite derive pleasure in “over-blowing the trumpets of their pay masters. to curry more favour even at the expense of the entire Igbo race.
“Our advice for Umahi is to look back at politically-correct Igbo elite like him who were used and dumped by the same people he is today shouting their praises.
“We don’t know why Igbo political elite cannot join the rest of Nigerians in supporting one of their own, who the rest of the country, today, seems to be rooting for. The suffering masses of Nigeria, irrespective of their tribe and religion, believe in taking back their country, and they will disappoint Umahi and his likes,” IWA stated.
On Okonkwo’s assertion, the group advised the one time actor now a politician to at least manage his growing followership winstead of ruining it with his unguarded and suspicious political rhetoric.
The group further stated: “Igbo women have respect for Kenneth Okonkwo because he appears to be one of the finest intelligent Igbo gentlemen we have. He has been very diligent in identifying with the Igbo cause and defending Igbo interests. In fact, after Nnamdi Kanu, he is the next Igbo man who is very passionate about the Igbo cause.
“His passion for the Igbo cause has earned him respect among Ndigbo, especially Igbo women and youths, but he should watch his back so he does not lose the goodwill. He should not allow political sentiments to set him against the people.
“IWA considers his remarks that it’s only a Northern presidential candidate who can win President Tinubu in 2027 as suspicious. It has left many of his admirers confused. For us, that statement has no bearing.”
The group further stated that Okonkwo’s myopic lens has refused to see how Nigerians are hoping on a S’East president for redemption.
They highlighted that Nigerians are now ready more than ever to support an Igbo president.
“Kenneth Okonkwo should cast off his garment of pessimism and remain firm in the movement he once identified with!,” they advised.
To the ADC coalition party, IWA advised that its presidential ticket be given to a Southern candidate with national appeal like Peter Obi or else the movement fails.
“The South has not completed its turn, and it would be an injustice for the North to think of hijacking power again in 2027. The whole South will cast off party and tribal sentiments and unite against such a move,” they added.
