Igbo Group Begs Buhari For SGF Position

Igbo Amaka, a pan Igbo socio-cultural organisation, has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to consider South-East for the position of Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

Concise News reports that the Coordinator of the group in Ebonyi, Michael Okoro, made the appeal in an interview with journalists in Abakaliki on Friday.

The group noted that the Igbo have contributed so much to Nigeria’s development, stressing that the exclusion of the region was a gross injustice and negation of the principle of federal character.

Okoro said that in spite of the contributions of the zone in maintaining the country’s unity, none of its kinsmen was occupying leadership position at the nation’s political, judiciary or military decision making circles.

“We believe in dialogue, peaceful negotiation; and our group is opposed to any form of aggression or confrontation as tool for achieving our objectives,” he said.

“This is why we are appealing to Mr President to appoint somebody from South-East as the SGF because we believe that doing so will give the Igbo some sense of belonging.

“It is no longer a secret that Igbo have been excluded in virtually every level of leadership in Nigeria and this is despite the contributions of the zone in maintaining the unity and oneness of the country.

“But, we cannot remain silent in the face of such perceived grave marginalisation and injustice to the zone, hence we are appealing to the President to appoint Igbo man as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

“We understand that the appointment of the SGF is the exclusive preserve of the President, but we still believe that given the position to South East will demonstrate that he truly believes in oneness of the country.

“Again this is the time to approach Buhari with humility to rebuild trust, friendship and to pledge our loyalty to his government.”

Okoro appealed to the leaders of the zone to work the Buhari administration as he warned that aggression and isolation would do the region more harm.