As Nigeria marked its 65th Independence Anniversary, a coalition of Southern leaders has called on the Federal Government to urgently address what they described as decades of marginalization, neglect, and insecurity in the region.
In a statement signed by their key coordinators, the group congratulated Nigerians on the milestone but lamented that the country’s history since independence had been riddled with crisis, exclusion, and exploitation.
They recalled the civil war and its unfulfilled promises of reconciliation, the annulled June 12 election which denied Chief MKO Abiola his mandate, and decades of military dominance as turning points that deepened the South’s distrust in the union.
“The South has endured systemic exploitation—its abundant resources powering the federation while its people remain in want. This must stop,” the group said.
The leaders outlined a set of demands to the Federal Government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu:Release of Political Prisoners: They called for the release of all political detainees from the South, including Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and the de-proscription of his group provided its agitations remain lawful.
Improved Security: They urged a ban on open grazing, adoption of ranching, eviction of illegal forest settlers, use of technology in fighting banditry, recognition of community vigilantes, and creation of state and local government police.
True Federalism: They demanded devolution of powers, fiscal federalism, and a system built on meritocracy and competitiveness.
Infrastructure Renewal: They called for a state of emergency on federal roads across the South, listing Sagamu–Ore–Benin, Onitsha–Enugu, East–West Road, Enugu–Port Harcourt, and others as urgent priorities.
The group urged that Lagos- Ibadan Expressway should be used as model to upgrade other Southern roads.
Other Issues: They restated the need to abolish the quota system in admissions and employment, conduct a credible technology-driven census, and check the menace of armed herders.
While reaffirming unity among Southern ethnic nationalities, the group warned against manipulation by vested interests, insisting that the South would continue to speak with one voice on issues of equity and justice.
“As Nigeria celebrates 65 years of independence, we call on the Tinubu administration to come to the aid of Southern Nigeria. The region is hurting and cannot bear these pains any longer,” the statement read.
The message was signed by Ndubuisi Okafor (National Coordinator), Ms. Success Ikpasa (Deputy National Secretary), Engr. Ajibola Lawson (Deputy National Coordinator, South West), Barr. Aaron Nwachukwu (Deputy National Coordinator, South East), and Hon. Adievuwhare O. Ufuoma (Deputy National Coordinator, South South).
Reporting Innocent Onoh