Constitution Review : Ohaneze Ndigbo Pushes For Equity, Inclusion For S/E

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, has called for greater equity and inclusion for the Southeast region in the ongoing constitutional amendment process by the 10th National Assembly.

At the South East Zonal Public Hearing for Imo and Abia States, the group submitted its proposals through Barrister Chizoba Iheka, a member of its National Executive Committee.

Ohaneze expressed appreciation for the efforts of the National Assembly Committees on Constitution Review but emphasized the need to correct decades of marginalization of the Southeast in key federal infrastructure and political appointments.

“The Southeast has been marginalized in the distribution of federal infrastructure for the past 50 years—particularly in areas such as railways, airports, federal universities, and political appointments,” the submission stated. “We propose constitutional amendments to ensure equitable distribution across the six geopolitical zones.”

The group also called for rotational leadership at the federal level, including the presidency, and advocated for a constitutional guarantee that key offices—such as the President, Senate President, Speaker of the House, and others—be rotated among the zones to promote fairness and national unity.

Ohaneze noted that no individual from the Southeast has held positions such as Attorney General, Minister of Internal Affairs, or heads of key agencies like Customs, Immigration, and Civil Defence since the return to democratic rule in 1999.

“These changes are essential to addressing historic imbalances and promoting cohesion and development across the country,” the organization said.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji