Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South in the National Assembly, has declared that the Igbo people are the most marginalized and disenfranchised group in Nigeria.
Speaking in Abuja during the public presentation of a book titled “The Power of Nothing: Triumph and Trump of People’s Voice in Enugu”, authored by Ikem Okuhu, Abaribe decried the political imbalance in the country, pointing out the underrepresentation of the South East with only five states.
Represented by Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, the member representing Aba North/South Federal Constituency under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Abaribe highlighted the Igbos’ commitment to progress, nationalism, and patriotism.
“Igbos believe in progressivism and the ideals of patriotism and nationalism. An Igbo man will leave his village, move to Bauchi, set up a business, buy land, build a home, and employ people. This demonstrates an inherent drive for progress and nation-building,” Abaribe stated.
He further lamented the systemic marginalization of the Igbos, urging unity among the group to counteract these challenges.
Commenting on Okuhu’s book, which documents events around the 2023 gubernatorial election in Enugu State, Abaribe emphasized its relevance in shaping legislative efforts to improve Nigeria’s electoral system. He argued that understanding and addressing the flaws in the political system is crucial for national progress.
“Only by identifying the root causes of our political challenges can we find sustainable solutions. For instance, the removal of fuel subsidies, announced during the president’s inauguration, plunged the country into economic turmoil, highlighting the deep impact of political decisions on everyday life,” he noted.
Abaribe urged Nigerians to engage actively in politics, stressing the importance of learning from past mistakes to refine electoral processes.
Author Ikem Okuhu explained that his book serves to address irregularities from the 2023 general elections, particularly in Enugu State. He asserted that the Labour Party had clearly won the gubernatorial election but alleged that the results were manipulated.
“The truth is that the majority of the people voted in one direction, but the outcome reflected something entirely different. Polling records showed obvious discrepancies, with results written by the same hand. This book is my attempt to ensure history is accurately recorded and serves as a guide for future generations,” Okuhu stated.
The event was attended by notable figures, including Senator Okey Ezea (Enugu North Senatorial District), Hon. Mark Chidi Obetta (Nsukka/Igboeze South Federal Constituency), Labour Party gubernatorial candidate Chijioke Edega, and other dignitaries.
