Coalition of Youths in the South-East (CESYD) has denounced what it describes as “choreographed and innocuous attempts” to create disunity among political stakeholders in Igbo land.
The youth organisation expressed concern over recent criticisms of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, spoke about his role in passing the Southeast Development Commission (SEDC) bill.
CESYD defended the spontaneous commendations that followed the bill’s signing into law, characterising them as “patriotic gestures” intended to counter negative narratives about Igbo development.
CESYD coordinator Comrade Wisdom Akunna Fabulous accused certain groups of employing “reverse psychology” by attempting to compare Deputy Speaker Kalu’s efforts with those of past representatives.
The coalition emphasised that such comparisons are unnecessary and potentially divisive.
“From all available evidence, including publications and speeches, never has the Deputy Speaker made attempts at impeaching or impugning or reducing the contributions of our past representatives,” the statement read.
CESYD dismissed criticisms about Kalu’s political experience, stating that “the age of Methuselah has no business with the wisdom of Solomon.”
The youth coalition warned against what it sees as “fifth columnists” attempting to hijack the SEDC for personal gain. CESYD threatened to “name and shame” individuals seeking to plant stooges within the commission to divert public funds.
Calling for unity and progress, the organisation aligned itself with a “sociopolitical renaissance” in Igboland, championed by figures like Deputy Speaker Kalu. The statement concluded with a rallying cry: “Let Ndigbo breathe!”