Controversial Anambra-based cleric, Chukwuemeka Ohanaemere, popularly known as Odumeje, has accused the Federal Government of neglecting the Southeast region, particularly in the provision of major international transport infrastructure.
Odumeje warned that the Igbo people must speak up for their rights, saying future generations could question them if they fail to challenge what he described as years of marginalisation.
The cleric made the remarks during a recent episode of The Honest Bunch Podcast, where he criticised the Federal Government for allegedly failing to provide the Southeast with an international airport or seaport despite the region's involvement in international trade.
According to him, the absence of such facilities in the region raises questions about the distribution of critical infrastructure across the country.
Odumeje also questioned the location of embassies, consulates and other international facilities, arguing that the Southeast should receive greater consideration in federal infrastructure planning.
Odumeje Questions Ogun Seaport Approval
The cleric also expressed displeasure over the reported approval of a new seaport for Ogun State, arguing that the Southeast deserved similar consideration because of the commercial activities of Igbo people.
He questioned whether Ogun State had the same level of business activity as the Southeast and maintained that Igbo entrepreneurs played a significant role in Nigeria's trading sector.
Speaking during the podcast, Odumeje said: “Nigeria has done a lot of damage to Igbo people. We have embassies and international airports and sea ports in Lagos and in the North but none in Igbo land. It is the Federal Government that approves embassies, international airports, seaports. What have we done?”
He added: “A new seaport has been approved for Ogun. Are Ogun state people business people? Igbo people are the business people.”
Call for Greater Attention to the Southeast
Odumeje's comments centred on what he perceives as an imbalance in the distribution of major infrastructure and international trade facilities across Nigeria's regions.
His remarks also highlighted the longstanding debate over infrastructure development, economic opportunities and regional inclusion in the Southeast.
However, his statements represent his personal views, and the claims regarding the distribution of international facilities and the comparative business activities of the regions were not independently verified in the material provided.
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