By Karen James
Bishop Prof. Emeka Nwankpa Decries Southeast Neglect, Launches Enugu Chapter of South East Mandate for Good Governance
Enugu, Nigeria – September 24, 2025:
In a bold and impassioned declaration, Bishop Prof. Emeka Nwankpa, Convener of the South East Mandate for Good Governance (SEMGG), has raised a clarion call against what he described as the “systemic marginalization” of the Southeast region of Nigeria.
Speaking during the inauguration of the Enugu State chapter of SEMGG on Wednesday, the respected cleric and socio-political advocate said the time has come for the people of the Southeast to break their silence and demand equitable treatment in national affairs.
“We can’t keep quiet anymore while the Southeast is shortchanged. Silence is no longer an option. Our people have contributed immensely to the development of this nation and deserve a fair share in return,” Bishop Nwankpa declared.
Areas of Concern
In his keynote address, Bishop Nwankpa and other speakers highlighted critical areas where the Southeast continues to suffer structural and political neglect:
- Infrastructure Deficit: Despite being a major commercial hub, the Southeast lags behind in federal infrastructure investment. Key highways such as the Enugu–Onitsha and Enugu–Port Harcourt expressways remain in poor condition, endangering motorists and crippling commerce.
- Political Exclusion: The Southeast remains the only geopolitical zone yet to produce a democratically-elected President of Nigeria. The highest office held by an Igbo man is the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives — the sixth in the hierarchy of national leadership.
- Unbalanced Federal Appointments: The cleric lamented deep imbalances in appointments to key security agencies, revenue-generating institutions, and strategic ministries, which are overwhelmingly dominated by other regions.
- Economic Marginalization: While praising the entrepreneurial spirit of the Igbo people, Bishop Nwankpa noted that the Southeast receives disproportionately low federal allocations, foreign investments, and has limited representation on national economic boards.
A Call for Unity and Peaceful Advocacy
Bishop Nwankpa emphasized that the SEMGG is not a secessionist movement but a civic awakening aimed at reshaping the socio-political landscape of the Southeast.
“This is not about secession; it’s about equity. It’s about reclaiming our rightful place in the Nigerian federation through peaceful, legal, and strategic engagement,” he stated.
He urged the Southeast to unite across political, religious, and ethnic lines in the quest for justice and inclusion, stressing the importance of peaceful and democratic means.
Looking Ahead
The launch of the Enugu State chapter marks what many believe could become a coordinated regional effort to influence national policy and foster accountable governance.
Observers say Bishop Nwankpa’s powerful message is more than a protest — it represents a roadmap for collective regional awakening. As SEMGG expands its reach, stakeholders will be watching closely to see if this movement can tip the scales towards fairness, inclusion, and sustainable development for a long-marginalized region.
