Dr. Josef Onoh, former Spokesman of President Bola Tinubu in the south-east, asserted that the region has refrained from participating in isolated hardship protests across the country due to Nigeria’s failure to recognize the south-east’s integral role.
He emphasized that the south-east has endured imposed hardships for the past 54 years.
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Onoh, presently Chairman of Forum of Former Members of Enugu State House of Assembly (FOF-MENHA) and a former governorship aspirant, emphasized that the south-east won’t be at the forefront of the discontent unless the region is recognized for leadership roles and substantial inclusive infrastructure. His comments were made in response to Prof. Usman Yusuf, former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), expressing surprise at the worsening economic hardship.
Onoh, in his reply to Yusuf, said: “The south east is uncharacteristically quiet because since after the civil war, the south east has continued to be dealt with extreme hardship and suffered in the midst of plenty while other regions basked in the euphoria of riches and power, with a section of the regions feeling very entitled. The south east is quiet because, after the civil war, our properties in the south-south were taken from us and claimed to be abandoned properties. I ask, Abandoned by who? That is a hardship!
“The south east is quiet because they started life afresh with only £20 after the civil war, given by the Nigerian government. That is hardship. The south east is quiet today because we have the least number of representatives in both chambers of the National Assembly.The south east is quiet because we are the only region with the least number of states. The south east is quiet because we are the only region with the least federal government presence in almost all areas. The south east is quiet because we have the least federal government projects in our region till date.
“The south east is quiet because we are the region with one of the largest markets in West Africa based on geographical size and volume of goods yet has never benefited from the rail project the Federal government embarked upon during the last administration and focused mainly in the north. The south east is quiet because we are the only region with the highest number of security check points on the roads leading into our region. It’s easier to drive past Ukraine than south east.
“Until these reservations are holistically and politically given attention be assured that the south east will remain deaf and dumb without the will power to see our nation or the current administration from a different light outside the hardship and suffering they have always known and dealt with in Nigeria, “ he added.
The southeast’s quietness amidst nationwide protests underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of Nigeria’s socio-political landscape. Dr. Josef Onoh’s insights shed light on the underlying factors shaping the region’s approach to dissent and activism. Moving forward, it is imperative for stakeholders at all levels to heed these perspectives and work towards fostering greater inclusivity, equity, and justice for all Nigerians, regardless of their region of origin. Only through genuine dialogue and collaboration can Nigeria overcome its challenges and realize its full potential as a united and prosperous nation.
