A lawyer and chartered accountant based in New York, High Chief Owolabi Salis, has cautioned that the marginalization of the Igbo and minority ethnic groups in Nigeria poses a significant threat, capable of inflicting immeasurable harm on the nation’s progress. He emphasized that addressing issues of marginalization is crucial for a nation to reach its full potential.
Salis stated, “No nation can ignore the issue of marginalization and expect to thrive peacefully, as it is a persistent problem that demands justice to be resolved. To achieve unity in Nigeria, restructuring is essential to eliminate discrimination in both our political and economic spheres.”
He recalled the stance of his late uncles, Adeniran Ogunsanya, TOS Benson, and Prof. Ayodele Awojobi, prominent figures in Nigerian history, who vehemently opposed marginalization in the politics of the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. Salis emphasized the importance of President Bola Tinubu, a respected democrat, activist, and advocate of restructuring, in implementing necessary changes for unity and fairness in the country.
Salis urged President Tinubu to seize the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy by fostering inclusivity, fairness, and justice across all sectors of society. He commended the National Assembly for expressing willingness to collaborate with the president and proposing initiatives such as the creation of Orlu state to address disparities in the Southeast region.
Moreover, Salis encouraged the Ohaneze Ndigbo to take a leadership role in promoting dialogue and reconciliation among various Nigerian groups to foster harmony and cooperation. He highlighted the need to move beyond the existing presidential and parliamentary systems to ensure equal representation and participation for all citizens.
