Bianca lashes out at Igbo leaders for keeping silent in the face of federal government marginalisation

NIGERIA'S former ambassador to Spain Bianca Ojukwu has lashed out at Igbo leaders for keeping silent on the face of the continued marginalisation of the people of the southeast geo-political zone by the federal government.

Ms Ojukwu, 53, the wife of the late Biafran head of state Dim Chukwuemeka Ojukwu, who spoke at the ninth memorial service of her husband in Owerri, the Imo State capital, also tongue-lashed the All Progressive Grand Alliance (Apga) over its lack of interest in a post-humus honour to her husband. She accused Igbo leaders of not talking for their people but being, in a rat race to be included in the centre.

Dim Ojukwu died in 2011 in London, but nine years afterwards, only the Movement for the Sovereign State of Biafra and Biafra Independence Movement founded by Chief Ralph Uwazuruike have consistently organised a memorial ceremony for him. Bianca stressed the need for the Nigerian government to treat Ndigbo fairly in the distribution of the nation’s resources, stating that Igbos had been roundly marginalised in the country.

She stated that with the current trend of events in the country, there might not be an end in sight for the continued agitations for an independent state of Biafra. Ms Ojukwu also said that the continuous insensitivity of the federal government about the plight of the people of the southeast would continue to fuel the struggle for Biafran independence.

Bianca added:  “The federal government must review its stand towards the people of southeast as it is marginalised in every sector. Igboland is now a metaphor for wasted youths in Nigeria, which is a very precarious situation for this country.

“Inability of government to share political and economic opportunities equitably is what is causing tension and problems in the country. For as long as there’s injustice and inequity, there must be agitations and Biafra will never die.

“These youths are not agitating because they are not being given money but they’re asking for equal opportunities Despite this obvious reality, I advise the Igbo to continue toe the path of peace in your quest for agitating for your due rights and privileges in the Nigeria state.”

She also regretted that no member of the Apga-led Anambra State government attended the event in memory of her late husband. According to Bianca, Apga controlled Anambra for 16 years and people like former governor Peter Obi, incumbent governor Willie Obiano all used Ojukwu’s name to achieve political fame, yet they no longer look the way of their ex-political leader.

Bianca, who praised Chief Uwazuruike for his sincere commitment towards remembering the ideals of her late husband, said the spirit of Ojukwu would continue to guide his path. She used the medium to call on Igbo people with investments in the diaspora and other big cities to think home, saying it was because of massive investments outside that some Igbo people do not see reason for Biafra agitation.

Professor Protus Uzoma, a guest speaker at the event said though Ojukwu was dead, his memories would live forever in the minds of Igbo people. A lecturer in the philosophy department at the University of Uyo, he said Igbo people are blessed with abundant human and material resources.