“We Can’t Keep Quiet in the Face of Marginalization'” – Bishop Prof Emeka Nwankpa Decries Southeast Marginalization, Launches Enugu Chapter of South East Mandate for Good Governance”
In a bold and impassioned declaration, Bishop Prof Emeka Nwankpa, the Convener of South East Mandate for Good Governance has raised a clarion call against what he describes as ‘systemic marginalization’ of the Southeast region of Nigeria.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Enugu State chapter of the South East Mandate for Good Governance (SEMGG), this Wednesday, September 24, 2025, the respected cleric and socio-political advocate said the time has come for the people of the Southeast to break their silence and demand equitable treatment in national affairs.
“We can’t keep quiet anymore while the Southeast is shortchanged. Silence is no longer an option. Our people have contributed immensely to the development of this nation and deserve a fair share in return,” Bishop Nwankpa declared.
During his keynote address, Bishop Nwankpa and other speakers at the event outlined critical areas where the Southeast continues to suffer structural and political neglect:
Despite being a commercial hub with millions of industrious Nigerians, the Southeast lags significantly behind other regions in terms of federal infrastructure investment. Key highways such as the Enugu-Onitsha and Enugu-Port Harcourt expressways remain perennially under construction or poorly maintained, posing dangers to motorists and crippling regional commerce.
The Southeast remains the only geopolitical zone yet to produce a democratically-elected President of Nigeria, and despite being among the three major ethnic groups in the country, the highest office held by an Igbo man is the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, the number sixth position in hierarchy.
On the issue of federal appointments, the cleric lamented the deep imbalances in appointment to key positions in security agencies, revenue-generating institutions, and other strategic ministries which are overwhelmingly dominated by individuals from other zones. This exclusion feeds a perception of deliberate sidelining of the region.
While praising the entrepreneurial drive of the Igbo people, he stated that the Southeast receives a disproportionately low share of federal allocations and foreign investments. There is also an under-representation in national economic boards, limiting the region’s influence in policymaking that affects national commerce and industry.
Bishop Nwankpa urged the Southeast to unite across political, religious, and ethnic lines to demand justice through peaceful, democratic means. He emphasized that the South East Mandate for Good Governance (SEMGG) is not just a political movement, but a civic awakening aimed at reshaping the socio-political landscape of the region.
“This is not about secession; it’s about equity. It’s about reclaiming our rightful place in the Nigerian federation through peaceful, legal, and strategic engagement,” he said.
The Enugu State chapter’s launch marks the beginning of what many hope will be a coordinated regional effort to influence national policy and foster accountable governance from within.
The Southeast’s marginalization is not a myth: it is a reality echoed by statistics, governance patterns, and lived experiences. Bishop Nwankpa’s powerful message is more than a protest; it’s a roadmap for collective regional awakening. As the SEMGG expands its reach, many are watching to see if this will finally tip the scales towards fairness, inclusion, and sustainable development for the long-neglected region.
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