PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO CORRECT HISTORICAL IMBALANCES,IF THE SOUTHEAST IS EMPOWERED, THE WHOLE COUNTRY BENEFITS. YOU CAN’T TALK ABOUT PROGRESS WHEN ONE LEG OF THE NATION IS BEING WEAKENED- SEN. ORJI UZOR. (PHOTO).

 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has the opportunity to correct historical imbalances,If the Southeast is empowered, the whole country benefits. You can’t talk about progress when one leg of the nation is being weakened- Sen. Orji Uzor

According to Channels tv, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North Senatorial District, has warned that Nigeria will continue to struggle with national development as long as the political and economic system remains unfair to the Igbo people. 

Speaking during an interview, the former Abia State Governor emphasized that no nation can progress while deliberately marginalizing a section of its population that plays a vital role in its economy and unity.

“As long as you want to clamp down on the Igbos, the country will find it difficult to develop,” Kalu declared. “You cannot suppress a people who are hardworking, innovative, and deeply invested in the progress of Nigeria, and still expect peace and prosperity to thrive.”

According to Kalu, the Southeast has suffered long-standing neglect in federal appointments, infrastructure, and political representation despite its unwavering contributions to the nation’s growth. 

He argued that the Igbo people’s entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to education, and resilience in the face of adversity make them a vital pillar of Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

“The Igbos are found in every corner of Nigeria,They build businesses, create jobs, and pay taxes. But when it comes to sharing national opportunities, they are often left behind. This is not just unfair — it’s counterproductive for national progress.”

He stressed that inclusivity and fairness are essential ingredients for stability and growth, urging leaders at all levels to embrace justice and equity. “No part of Nigeria should feel alienated. If you want the country to develop, you must give every group a fair sense of belonging. Development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of exclusion,” he said.

The Senator also advised the federal government to take deliberate steps toward rebuilding trust with the Southeast by prioritizing infrastructure, education, and industrial development in the region.