S/East insecurity fueled by grievances, marginalization, govt policies - Igbo youths

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Igbo Youth Leader in Awka

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By Madu Obi

South East youths and stakeholders have attributed the worsening insecurity situation in various parts of Igbo land to what they described as the long-standing socio-political grievances, marginalisation, and certain government policies that have aggravated the anger and disenfranchisement felt by the people

Rising from their convention under the auspices of Igbo Youth Leaders and Stakeholders Assembly in Awka, the youths called on the governors in the region to rise above political distractions and prioritize security with urgency, so as to aggressively confront the hydra-headed monster of insecurity.

They called on youth leaders in all Igbo communities to rise to the occasion and heighten vigilance by collaborating closely with local vigilante groups and security agencies to checkmate threat to security in the region, whether in the towns, farmlands, or forests.

They also urged security chiefs in Nigeria to issue immediate instructions to their field personnel to cease what they called 'the harassment and intimidation of innocent Igbo youths'.

"Let there be a working alliance that fosters intelligence-sharing and coordinated response strategies to neutralize real threats and

those truly bent on destabilizing our land.

Furthermore, we encourage community policing in Igbo land and build security synergy with neighboring communities to ensure regional coordination in the ongoing war against insecurity.

We encourage robust inter-community collaboration across borders to ensure a coordinated, grassroots-driven approach towards curbing insecurity", their communique read.

They warned that if the political leaders fall to take the necessary action as soon as possible, they should be prepared to face collective rejection at the polls in 2027.

According to them, quality leadership must be felt in Igbo land and not in rhetorics, urging the political elites and stakeholders to deliberately establish a leadership recruitment, mentorship and succession plan, which will be beneficial to all and sundry without status discrimination.

The communique which was signed by its leader, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, Mazi Bismark, Uzoh Ifeanyi and Mazi Chika Adiele read in part: "We assert and reiterate that Igbo youths are bona fide citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and must not be subjected to second-class treatment of any form in their own country.

We demand equal rights, opportunities, and dignified treatment within the Nigerian federation.

As patriotic Igbo youths, we remain committed to a peaceful, united, and progressive Nigeria, where equity, justice, and mutual respect reign. We stand for justice, inclusion, and national transformation.

We are prepared to contribute positively to national development, and we shall not remain silent in the face of injustice, insecurity, and exclusion.

We shall continue to resist all forms of marginalisation with the power of unity, strategy, and civic engagement."

They commended the Federal Ministry of Youth Development for convening the upcoming National Youth Confab, which they observed, is a platform that has the potential to shape inclusive policies for the Nigerian youths.

"We urge the Honorable Minister of Youth Development to ensure that the modalities for participation in the confab reflect equity, transparency, and equal opportunity for all ethnic nationalities.

No Nigerian is more Nigerian than another. We demand for the expansion of the central planning committee to accommodate Igbo youths", they said.

While appreciating President Bola Tinubu for the constitution of the boards of the various regional development commissions, they request that more Igbo youths be included in his various appointments.

We respectfully request for the expansion of the various boards of the regional development commissions to ensure adequate representation of Igbo youths, whose talents, ideas, and entrepreneurial drive are vital to regional and national development", the communique further read.

They added that Igbo youths have taken a unified stand and would be presenting an articulated position document that reflects their aspirations, concerns, and solutions as a critical bloc in the Nigerian youth demography.