MARCEL MBAMALUPresident Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to Enugu marks a pivotal moment for the South-east region, as he seeks to address longstanding governance and development issues. Emphasising unity and collaboration, he pledged to complete the Eastern Rail Line and harness the oil and gas resources of the Anambra Basin.
During this visit on 4 January 2025, his first official visit in the South-east since taking office, Tinubu inaugurated several projects, including schools and healthcare centres, underscoring his administration’s commitment to infrastructural advancement.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelLocal leaders interpreted this visit as a significant sign of federal attention towards the development of the South-east, however, questions remain about whether these efforts will translate into meaningful change for the region’s residents.
President Tinubu praised Governor Peter Mbah for his developmental efforts and emphasised the need for unity in moving Nigeria forward. He stated, “The election is over, and we have to move the nation forward,” highlighting the importance of collaboration regardless of political affiliation. As he pledged to complete the Eastern Rail Line and support the development of the Anambra Basin as an energy reserve, he asserted that investment in security is crucial for rapid development in the region.
Marginalisation in South-east: Nnamdi Kanu’s Detention Vs Questions About the True Intent of the President’s Visit
President Bola Tinubu’s visit to the South-east, framed as a commitment to unity and development, also raises critical questions about the true intent of such a trip. While he spoke of building bridges across political divides, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has persistently called for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, emphasising that dialogue is essential for addressing feelings of marginalisation among the Igbo people. The organisation’s appeals for dialogue have largely gone unaddressed, leading to skepticism about whether Tinubu’s project inauguration can genuinely foster unity without meaningful engagement with local sentiments.
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Therefore, one might conclude that Tinubu’s assertion that party affiliation should not hinder progress contrasts sharply with the reality that many in the South-east feel excluded from national conversations. His focus on commissioning projects may be seen as a political manoeuvre rather than a genuine effort to heal divisions. While Tinubu emphasised that effective security is essential for economic growth and development in the region, it is believed that insecurity in the South-east heightened immediately after Nnamdi Kanu was arrested.
Why Does the South-east Matter Now?
President Bola Tinubu did campaign in the South-east during the lead-up to the 2023 presidential elections. He travelled across the five states in the region, actively promoting his candidacy and sharing his development plans. Notably, he visited Enugu on 15 November 2022, where he warned that the people would not benefit from national resources unless they voted for him and the APC gubernatorial candidate, emphasising the need for their support.
Despite his efforts, Tinubu garnered only about one per cent of the votes from the South-east in the election, indicating significant rejection by the region’s electorate. His campaign faced challenges due to perceptions of marginalisation and previous controversial statements made by members of his party, which contributed to a lack of trust among South-east voters.
READ ALSO: ‘Nnamdi Kanu’s Release Will Restore Peace In South-east’
On the other hand, it is indeed questionable to assert that individuals will not benefit from national resources based solely on their voting choices. Such statements can be perceived as a form of political coercion, suggesting that support for a particular candidate is a prerequisite for access to government resources. This perspective raises concerns about the integrity of democratic processes and the equitable distribution of national resources, which should be accessible to all citizens regardless of their political affiliations.
Moreover, such remarks during his campaign indicate a potential motivation rooted in political affiliation rather than genuine concern for the welfare of the South-east region. Therefore, it is fair to speculate that his recent visits to the region may be more about consolidating political support than addressing the pressing needs of its residents.
Perceived Political Realignment or a President Striving for Leadership despite Political Affiliations
President Bola Tinubu’s promises regarding the development of oil reserves and refinery operations in the South-east may be met with skepticism, particularly due to his political unpopularity in the region. During his recent visit to Enugu, he pledged to develop the Anambra Basin, estimated to hold one billion barrels of oil and 30 billion cubic feet of gas. However, since taking office, he has made little progress on rehabilitating the Port Harcourt Refinery, which he claimed would start operations by December 2023 but has yet to materialize.
The relationship between the Dangote Refinery and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) complicates matters further. NNPCL initially committed to supplying Dangote with a minimum of 385,000 barrels per day under a crude-for-naira agreement but failed to meet this commitment, forcing Dangote to import crude oil from the U.S. This failure raises questions about the government’s dedication to local refining initiatives while insisting on maintaining fuel subsidies.
Tinubu’s insistence on maintaining fuel subsidies amid these challenges casts doubt on his leadership intentions. Many Nigerians, especially in the South-east, are struggling with rising living costs and ineffective government strategies to alleviate economic pressures. This disconnect between his promises and the realities faced by citizens suggests that without addressing these critical issues through dialogue and concrete action, his efforts may be perceived as politically motivated rather than genuine attempts at leadership.
South-east Leaders’ Demands: A Sign of Political Naivety
The South-east region of Nigeria is grappling with escalating insecurity, marked by rampant kidnappings and violent confrontations involving criminal gangs and security forces. This turmoil has instilled fear among residents and disrupted economic activities, with many businesses shuttering due to the violence. The International Crisis Group has characterized the situation as a serious security crisis necessitating immediate government action for stabilization.
During President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Enugu, Governor Peter Mbah praised him as a true federalist and highlighted measures taken to improve public safety, including the cessation of illegal sit-at-home orders imposed by IPOB. Mbah expressed optimism that Tinubu’s economic reforms would bolster security and stability in the state.
Conversely, other South-east leaders presented demands during the visit, notably the dismantling of numerous roadblocks which they argue inflate transportation costs and impede economic activity. Onyemuche Nnamani, a commissioner at the Police Service Commission, criticized these checkpoints as ineffective and costly. However, questioning whether roadblocks are the primary cause of inflation raises concerns about the political naivety of these demands.
Rather than fixating on roadblocks, South-east leaders should advocate comprehensive strategies to tackle the region’s deeper economic challenges. While they have called for increased investment in infrastructure like the Eastern Rail Line—an initiative Tinubu has pledged support for—there remains skepticism about its realization given ongoing challenges with local refinery support. Proposing enhanced security measures that do not rely on traditional checkpoints could yield more effective outcomes for public safety.
The current focus on roadblocks may reflect a shortsighted approach that neglects the broader economic landscape. As residents continue to endure hunger and rising living costs, leaders must prioritize sustainable solutions that address the root causes of insecurity and economic distress in the region. Engaging in discussions about comprehensive economic strategies and infrastructure development would likely resonate more effectively with constituents than merely advocating for removing roadblocks.
Current Development in the Region
Although the South East Development Commission (SEDC) has been allocated N341.27 billion in the proposed 2025 budget to address developmental challenges in Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Imo, and Ebonyi states. While this reflects a commitment to decentralising responsibilities, citizens remain sceptical about the tangible benefits without meaningful engagement with local communities. Trust can only be rebuilt through genuine efforts to address historical grievances and foster inclusive development.
In this context, it is vital for President Tinubu to engage in substantive dialogue and demonstrate his commitment to addressing the challenges faced by all Nigerians, particularly those in marginalized regions. Failing to do so may perpetuate scepticism regarding his intentions, leading to questions about his genuine leadership aspirations versus mere political manoeuvring.
Dr Mbamalu is a Jefferson Fellow, member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), communications/Media Consultant and Publisher, Prime Business Africa
Email: marcelmbamalu2@gmail.com
+2348094000017
Dr. Marcel Mbamalu is a communication scholar, journalist and entrepreneur. He holds a Ph.D in Mass Communication from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and is the Chief Executive Officer Newstide Publications, the publishers of Prime Business Africa.
A seasoned journalist, he horned his journalism skills at The Guardian Newspaper, rising to the position of News Editor at the flagship of the Nigerian press. He has garnered multidisciplinary experience in marketing communication, public relations and media research, helping clients to deliver bespoke campaigns within Nigeria and across Africa.
He has built an expansive network in the media and has served as a media trainer for World Health Organisation (WHO) at various times in Northeast Nigeria. He has attended numerous media trainings, including the Bloomberg Financial Journalism Training and Reuters/AfDB training on Effective Coverage of Infrastructural Development of Africa.
A versatile media expert, he won the Jefferson Fellowship in 2023 as the sole Africa representative on the program. Dr Mbamalu was part of a global media team that covered the 2020 United State’s Presidential election. As Africa's sole representative in the 2023 Jefferson Fellowships, Dr Mbamalu was selected to tour the United States and Asia (Japan and Hong Kong) as part of a 12-man global team of journalists on a travel grant to report on inclusion, income gaps and migration issues between the US and Asia.
