A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and citizens from the South East geopolitical zone have issued a stern warning to the Federal Government, threatening legal action over what they describe as the continued marginalisation of the region in critical national appointments.
The coalition, which includes the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) and 29 other groups, expressed outrage at the exclusion of South Easterners from the recently constituted board of the National Population Commission, calling it a blatant affront to the dignity and constitutional rights of the region’s people.
In an open letter addressed to South East governors, federal legislators, and the Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership, the CSOs emphasized the need for urgent action, urging these leaders to rise in defence of their constituents and challenge the exclusionary practices of the federal government.
“Representation matters — not only as a matter of justice but as a strategic imperative for our political future,” the letter read in part. “The current appointments reflect systemic sidelining that must be resisted. We must mobilize our electorate, demand accountability, and pursue all lawful means, including litigation, to protect our rights.”
The CSOs called for a united front across political, traditional, and civic leadership to confront what they describe as deliberate political machinations aimed at subjugating the South East. They also stressed the importance of fostering a culture of civic engagement and political consciousness among the people of the region.
“We’ve waited too long for our elected leaders to act decisively. The silence is deafening. If nothing is done, history will not absolve us,” they stated.
The coalition’s message marks a rising tide of agitation in the South East over what many describe as a sustained pattern of political and economic marginalisation, and signals a potential legal battle that could shape the national discourse on equity and federal character.
