Igbo Diaspora Groups Reject Umahi’s Claim of Ended Marginalisation

Several Igbo diaspora organisations have strongly criticised the Minister of Works, Chief David Umahi, for asserting that President Bola Tinubu has resolved the perceived marginalisation of Ndigbo in Nigeria. Umahi had reportedly urged the Igbo to abandon the Biafra agitation, claiming federal government intervention had addressed their concerns.

In response, groups including the American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID), Ambassadors for Self Determination, and the Rising Sun issued a joint statement describing Umahi’s remarks as “unguarded” and lacking authority. They emphasised that he “does not speak for Ndigbo” and accused him of prioritising personal gain over community welfare.

The diaspora groups challenged Umahi to substantiate his claim with tangible evidence of benefits delivered to the Southeast. They cited persistent infrastructure deficits, including the stalled Umuahia–Enugu railway, absence of seaports, limited ministerial representation, and lack of federal industries or cargo airports in the region.

They further questioned the ongoing detention of Nnamdi Kanu, suggesting that Umahi’s alignment with federal authorities undermines justice and fuels anger among the Igbo. The statement stressed that the Biafra movement is about dignity, justice, and self-respect, not political appointments or personal convenience.

Highlighting historical parallels, the groups compared local betrayals within the Igbo community to instances of Jewish persecution in Europe, noting that denial or conformity does not end suffering or alter the course of history.

The statement concluded that Biafra remains a central issue for Ndigbo and cannot be diminished by politicians seeking political correctness. They called for the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu as a minimum step toward demonstrating genuine inclusion of the Igbo people in national governance.

AVID President Dr. Sylvester Onyia, Ben Nwankwo of Ambassadors for Self Determination, and Maxwell Dede of the Rising Sun jointly signed the statement, asserting that efforts to suppress the movement will ultimately fail.

The diaspora groups warned that any attempt to justify marginalisation as resolved will be viewed as deception, and urged federal authorities to demonstrate tangible commitment to Igbo welfare and equity.