The 1999 Nigeria Constitution, as amended, and lack of credible census have been identified by the Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof Charles Esimone as the major tools for the marginalization of people of the South East.
Esimone stated this on Friday in Nnewi, during a colloquium of the All Progressives Congress (APC), with the theme: De-marginalization of South East and integration into national politics.
The colloquium which was for the South East was organized by the senator representing Anambra South senatorial zone, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
Esimone, who was the resource person said it is no longer a lie that the current political arrangement in Nigeria does not favour the South East and that it is true to say that the South East is marginalized.
He said: “It does not make sense that South East that two states in other parts of the country can equal the entire representations of the entire South East in Abuja. It does not also make sense that the South East has only five states, while others have six.
“The question is who is marginalizing the South East? The first is the Nigerian constitution and the second is credible census. Without credible constitution there will never be equity.
“I accept that mediocrity can breed marginalization, but Ndigbo can not be described as mediocres. We must realign and align properly or the journey will take longer than expected,” Esimone said.
Nigerian constitution, lack of credible census major tool for South East marginalization – Esimone