Hon. Obi Aguocha, member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South federal constituency, has asked Igbo political, cultural and community leaders to act against what he described as growing discrimination and marginalisation of Ndigbo across the country, especially in Lagos.
In a statement on Saturday, Aguocha said credible reports indicate that Igbo street names are being erased and replaced with Yoruba names.
He added that lawfully acquired estates and properties owned by Igbos are being branded “illegal” and demolished, certificates of occupancy are threatened with revocation, and there was systematic disenfranchisement of Igbos during the 2023 general election.
The lawmaker condemned the composition of the newly inaugurated eight-member National Census Commission, which he said has no Igbo representation despite the group constituting an estimated 30 percent of Nigeria’s population.
He noted that Yoruba hold four seats on the commission.
On the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Aguocha described it as “a glaring injustice”, adding that known bandit leaders and terrorists in other parts of the country operate openly without state prosecution.
He said: “This is not the time for leaders to stay silent or complacent. The so-called ‘host community’ mantra is now being used to undermine constitutional rights guaranteeing every Nigerian the freedom to live and own property anywhere in the federation. We must confront these threats head-on before it is too late.”
Aguocha urged the Southeast caucus of the National Assembly to raise the issues on the floors of the Senate and House of Representatives.
He also called on Ohanaeze Ndigbo to send a high-powered delegation to the Lagos state governor to address the concerns, adding that he would personally join any such delegation.
The lawmaker demanded strict adherence to the federal character principle to ensure equitable representation of all ethnic groups in national appointments and decision-making bodies.
“We must speak now while it still matters. History will not forgive our silence in the face of systemic injustice against our people,” he added.