Tinubu has been fair to Ndi-Igbo with several strategic appointments, Abuja Supervisory Councillor

Quest for Ndi-Igbo to align with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the centre has been re-echoed by Hon. Obiora Arinze, the Supervisory Councillor for Education and Social Development, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).

In this exclusive interview with Managing Editor, North, Abel Lazarus, Hon. Obiora Arinze, a strong chieftain of the APC and the Supervisory Councilor Education and Social Development, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), in the FCT, highlights the gains of alignment for Ndi-Igbo, insisting that politics is a game of interest and business.

Excerpts:

You supervise Education and Social Development in AMAC, the heart of Nigeria’s capital, with thousands of Igbo traders, tenants and business owners. How has the APC government in FCT helped Ndi-Igbo in AMAC markets, schools and welfare?

First, I must appreciate my principal, the Executive Chairman of AMAC, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, for allowing me to serve. Governance is about service, and it can only be done when the opportunity arises.

Speaking about AMAC, the leadership style of Hon. Maikalangu has positively affected every South-Eastern family. During his first term, more than twelve key aides, including myself and his Chief of Staff, were from the South East region.

In this current administration, names have been submitted, and with just about 100 days in office, we are hopeful that more Southeasterners will be privileged to form part of the administration. That is how you carry people along.

The office of the Chief of Staff and mine have used our positions to impact Southeasterners’ families. A case study is our annual end-of-the-year get-together, which has metamorphosed into a carnival for Ndi-Igbo in AMAC. This was deliberately created for that purpose, and I can assure you that this year’s edition will not be different.

What has APC at the federal level done specifically for the South-East in the last 10 years to justify this call for alignment? Roads, appointments, infrastructure – where is the evidence?

What the Federal Government has done for Ndi-Igbo is enormous. But first, I would like to say it begins at the state level, as it is their primary role to organise and carry their people along.

Of course, the Federal Government has been fair to Ndi-Igbo with several strategic appointments. The claim that the South-East is sidelined is arguable. Today, a South Easterner is chairing the Nigerian Governors Forum – a highly placed office within the party structure.

On infrastructure, it was the APC that initiated the Second Niger Bridge and also resuscitated the old one. Today, both bridges are functional and serving our people. The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, through the removal of fuel subsidy, has ensured that states now get more funds for developmental projects, and this should be applauded. It is now left for Ndi-Igbo to hold their governors accountable for these funds.

Hon, you are Igbo and in the APC in Abuja. Many Ndi-Igbo see APC as a party that has sidelined them since 2015. Why are you asking them to align with a party that many feel does not want them? Is this call for alignment about genuine Igbo interest or personal political survival in AMAC and FCT, where APC controls the structure?

No alignment is selfish ab initio. No alignment exists without interest. However, personal interest must be guided so as not to jeopardize the common goal. This was how the APC itself was formed to oust the thenuling Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP).

For me, the call for alignment is good. Ndi-Igbo should understand how politics is played rather than remaining in opposition. Thanks to the leadership style of Comrade Michael Iroakazi, he has been able to pull Ndi-Igbo together within the FCT, and that is why he is enjoying the support of all. Going forward, there is going to be a great difference.

In 2023, Peter Obi and the Labour Party showed Igbos can build a national movement outside APC and PDP. Why should Ndi-Igbo abandon that momentum to join APC?

The truth must be told, no zone can single-handedly own a party and expect to win the Presidency. For inclusivity, you have to jettison regional politics and align with the ruling party, which is the APC as of today.

It is heartbreaking for me to see Ndi-Igbo shy away from this basic truth rather than embracing the opportunity to form the government and take charge. The challenge with Ndi-Igbo has always been the politics of opposition. We can’t continue like that. As it is said, the best way to win a war is to penetrate your opponent – that is, by being involved. Opposition is democratic, but it does not attract dividends.

You will agree with me that South Easterners do not have the political patience that former President Muhammadu Buhari had for years before becoming President. As a zone, our best bet is to give those leaders in APC today the required support. Before you know it, you will see an Igbo man becoming President of this country, as that is the only assured way of achieving it.

Many Igbos in Abuja complain of multiple taxation, demolition of shops and high cost of doing business under the APC-led FCT Administration. Should they align with a party they accuse of mistreatment?

I can tell you that traders in Abuja, who are highly dominated by Ndi-Igbo, enjoy the cooperation of the Barr. Nyesom Wike-led FCTA administration.

Recently, when the Kugbo market was affected, the AMAC administration sent people to ascertain the level of damage. When the timber market in Utako was burnt, the Chairman provided about one hectare of land for its reconstruction. These can only be achieved with a government that has your interest at heart.

Also, the FCTA administration of Barr. Wike has demonstrated similar concern for Ndi-Igbo and their businesses as he continually engages them on the relocation of the Apo Mechanic traders along the corridor of the ongoing road construction. The structure of the new site is massive. These things are done quietly. I can affirm today that no trader has come in contact with both administrations who has cause to complain.

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo and many Igbo youth say, “We will vote where we are respected.” What has APC done to show respect beyond appointing one or two ministers from the South-East?

I can tell you that the narrative is changing. Recently, Ohanaeze Ndigbo had their Igbo Day, where they endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term. That is the way to go.

I can assure Ndi-Igbo in the FCT that it is in our best interest to do so, as it is the only way to continue to enjoy the benefits. Politics is a game and also a business. You can’t invest in something you will not reap. Hence, Ndi-Igbo must join hands to work, and definitely they will reap.

Ndi-Igbo invested in the return of Hon. Christopher Maikalangu, and without mincing words, they will definitely reap when the list of advisers is out. The APC in FCT is one block, and the leadership being provided by my principal is that of a man who allows everyone to perform because he is very embracing.

On a final note, what is your message to Ndi-Igbo on aligning with the APC?

My candid appeal to Ndi-Igbo in the FCT is to come and let’s work together, because a worker deserves his wages. The mistake of 2023 should not be repeated, as Ndi-Igbo were mostly affected. Even the few that won elections under opposition parties are struggling to keep up with governance.

You are from the South-East like me. How would you say the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency representative, who also doubles as a South Easterner, has fared in promoting the cause of Ndi-Igbo in FCT? These are the things we should look at.

Elections depend on how we are able to pull our people together in the FCT and play politics for their gains rather than benching ourselves. I can assure Ndi-Igbo that they must be recognized and appreciated. Already, the APC is structuring Ndi-Igbo by appointing one of us as the AMAC Coordinator for the President, which is a significant position that Ndi-Igbo must embrace. We can’t continue to play opposition politics. It doesn’t pay.