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Soludo’s Igbo Self-Marginalisation Claim ‘Factually Incorrect’, Says Analyst
A UK-based public affairs analyst, Dr Chudi Okoye, has disputed Governor Charles Soludo’s claim that Igbos are marginalizing themselves in Nigeria.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelOkoye, in a statement he shared with Prime Business Africa, argues that Igbos are widely dispersed across the country, engaging in economic activities and investing in host economies, contradicting the notion of self-marginalization.
Okoye notes that Igbos have historically been entrepreneurial, spreading across Nigeria to rebuild their lives after the war. He highlights their significant presence in various parts of the country, outperforming indigenes in some areas, and contributing to the economy.
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The analyst also points out that other tribes haven’t reciprocated Igbo investment in their homeland, instead adopting an extractive approach. Politically, Okoye describes the South East as fragmented, with multiple parties governing, and argues that Igbos have historically supported non-Igbo presidential candidates.
Igbos Detribalised Against All Odds
“In presidential elections, until the emergence of Peter Obi in 2023,” Okoye says “Igbos voted predominantly for flag-bearers from other tribes. Only Zik and Obi have ever commanded Igbo votes as presidential candidates of Igbo extraction, notwithstanding the plethora of Igbo aspirants in every presidential election cycle. Igbos even rejected Ojukwu’s presidential sorties, despite the deep affection for their war hero. ”
Okoye, an indigene of Anambra State, concludes that Soludo’s claim is “factually incorrect” and suggests he should have focused on the issue of insecurity in Igboland instead.
