‘Marginalisation of southeast has grown to persecution of its people’

Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma has alleged Federal Government’s victimisation of southeast people.

Chukwuma, who is also the Anglican Bishop of Enugu Diocese, said this yesterday in Enugu, when he led a delegation of Archdeacons and Canons of the Diocese, to visit Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu.

He lamented what he described as “a jealous spirit against the leadership of the Igbo politicians and against us as Christians,” adding that using security operatives against perceived enemies was dangerous to the survival of democracy.

The bishop urged the Federal Government to check the growing ugly trend in the country to avert crisis, adding that the people’s attempt to resist it could lead to a breakdown of law and order.

Chukwuma declared that the ongoing gale of defections is a sign that Nigerians are revolting against the country’s system of administration.

The bishop urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to stop intimidating Ekweremadu, because he is not among those who allegedly looted the country’s treasury.

The bishop traced Ekweremadu’s political career from being a local government chairman, chief of staff, and later Secretary to the Government of Enugu State, before assuming his present position, and expressed concern at his persecution by the anti-graft agency.

In a related development, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, has lamented the state of Onitsha River port, six years after its completion and inauguration.

The SGF spoke yesterday when he received the management team of Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).

He said the port would boost economic activities in Onitsha, Anambra State, considering its proximity to the main market, which is considered to be one of the biggest markets in West Africa.