Igbo General Assembly Chief Calls for Urgent Reforms in Nigeria
Mary Nnah
As Nigeria celebrated its 64th independence anniversary on October 1, 2024, President General of the Igbo General Assembly, Spain, Chief Kingsley Ndibe, painted a dismal picture of the nation’s current state.
In a press release made available to THISDAY, Ndibe lamented that the Nigeria of the dreams of its founding fathers had been lost, with successive leaders prioritising personal interests over collective well-being. He highlighted the nation’s downward spiral into division, economic hardship, insecurity, and a bleak future.
“Nigeria is divided across tribalism, religion, and political affiliation more than ever before,” Ndibe said.
“Economic hardship, insecurity, especially in South East, North East, North Central, and practically every part of the country, inconsistent policies, and bleak future has forced Nigerians of different ages, status, and speciality into modern-day slavery abroad”, he added
Ndibe emphasised that this trend is a stark contrast to the vision of Nigeria’s founding fathers, who fought for a united, prosperous, and secure nation.
To reverse this trend, Ndibe urged leaders to take drastic measures to “fix Nigeria” and re-ignite the light of economic and political liberation championed by its founding fathers.
“Life is sacred. Therefore, security of lives and property should be prioritized. Our economy should be rejigged. Power should truly belong to the people by allowing their votes to count. Local government autonomy should be implemented without delay to bring governance to our towns and villages. The judiciary, the last hope of the common man, should be shielded from political interference and the law enforcement agencies should operate within the arm bits of the law.”
Ndibe emphasised that only Nigerians can build Nigeria, and until these fundamental issues are addressed, the country’s problems will persist.
“Until machinery is put in place to address all these fundamental issues, Nigerians will continue to troop abroad and the task of building the Nigeria of the dreams of our founding fathers will remain a mirage.”
