A socio-political pressure group for the people of the old Eastern Region,The Eastern Union ,EU, has expressed concerns over the unprecedented fall of the nation’s currency, the Naira.
The EU demand an Immediate alleviation of the suffering of Nigerians, adding that a concrete actions must be taken to address corruption, insecurity, and terrorism in the country.
The Union in a statement titled ‘State of the Nation and the Way Forward’, described actions of the current federal administration as catastrophic, leading to economic stagnation, record high inflation and the Naira precipitous decline.
The statement jointly signed by the EU National President, Hon. Charles Anike, and Comrade Iyke Newman Nkemdirim, Director of Media and Publicity (PRO), stressed: “The relentless surge in petrol prices and the unbearable cost of living have pushed our people to the brink.”
It maintained that the rampant corruption, banditry, insecurity, and terrorism plaguing the nation, coupled with the government’s inaction, had created an atmosphere of hopelessness.
“The Eastern Union condemns in strong terms, the constant threats against the Igbo people and other Easterners, and the consistent call for their expulsion from Lagos State in particular, which is unacceptable and divisive.
“We are also appalled by the undemocratic arrest and detention of some citizens who dared to protest against the harsh realities of bad governance.
“The right to peaceful assembly and free speech is fundamental and we demand an end to such draconian measures,” it added.
The EU decried decry the government’s wasteful spending and failure to prioritise the well-being of its citizens, even as it added that the lavish expenditures on non-essential projects and the opulent lifestyles of public officials are a stark contrast to the suffering of our people.
“They constitute an offensive, nauseating and unconscionable spectacle for the bruised, battered and frayed senses of the suffering masses.
“The militarisation of South Eastern Nigeria through an unwarranted deployment of soldiers and random checkpoints has created tension and fear among our people and also frustrates business activities.
“We demand an immediate withdrawal of these troops and a return to civil policing as is the norm in all other regions, even in the terrorist-infested zones of the North.
“The decay in critical sectors is equally as mind boggling and alarming as it is unbearable for a nation as blessed as ours:
“Education: Our schools are underfunded, and our children are denied access to quality learning.
“Power: The consistent lack of electricity hinders economic growth and affects daily life.
“Oil: The mismanagement of our natural resources has led to scarcity and unaffordable prices.
“Medical: Our healthcare system is in shambles, leaving our people vulnerable to preventable diseases.
“The harsh realities of our economy have led to a brain drain, with our best professionals leaving the country in droves to seek greener pastures in foreign lands.
“We call on our government to address these push factors and create an enabling environment for our citizens to thrive.
“In light of these and more, the Eastern Union calls on our people to ‘Think Home’, to move their investments back home and contribute to the development of our region.
“We must take our destiny into our own hands and work towards a prosperous future for ourselves and generations to come so that we do not continue to remain a target of envy.
“As a united front, the Eastern Union stands resolute in protecting the interests of the people of Eastern Nigeria and indeed all Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora.
“We demand: Immediate economic reforms to revitalise the economy and alleviate the suffering of our people; concrete actions to address corruption, insecurity, and terrorism.
“Protection of the rights and dignity of the Igbo people and all Nigerians; a commitment to inclusive governance and representation; prioritisation of citizens’ well-being and investment in critical sectors.”
