THE SOUTH EAST'S SILENT SUFFERING: A REGION'S MARGINALIZATION AND THE POLITICS OF SYCOPHANCY"
Written by Ella Michaels
The recent approval of a ₦3 billion railway project for the South East has sparked a mix of reactions, with some members of the ruling party from the region flooding social media with praise. However, this display of sycophancy has raised more questions than answers about the kind of leadership the South East is producing. Is it sycophancy or political slavery that's afflicting the ruling party members from the region?
A closer look at the projects approved for other regions, particularly Lagos State, reveals a stark contrast. The Lagos-Calabar Highway, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, and 7th Axial Road are just a few examples of multi-trillion-naira projects concentrated in one state. Meanwhile, the South East is expected to celebrate a ₦3 billion railway proposal. The disparity is glaring, and the silence from the region's representatives is deafening.
The senator from the North's comment that ₦3 billion is apparently enough to "carry South East along" is an insult that highlights the region's marginalization. The South East's continued neglect is a testament to the lack of effective leadership and representation. Despite having a Deputy Speaker in the House of Representatives and the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, the South East still couldn't secure a second ministerial slot – a basic entitlement that every other region has.
The demand for an additional state in the South East has become a nationwide proposal, watering down the core issue of regional imbalance. Yet, the region's representatives remain silent, clapping for crumbs while others dine at the table. This silence is a symptom of a deeper problem – a lack of boldness, integrity, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.
It's time for a serious conversation about leadership in the South East. The region needs leaders who will stand up for its rights, not beg for scraps. The people of the South East deserve better than to be treated as second-class citizens. It's time to demand boldness, not sycophancy; integrity, not political slavery.
The South East's marginalization is not just a regional issue; it's a national concern. The region's silence has implications for the entire country, as it emboldens those who would seek to marginalize and oppress other regions. It's time for the South East to speak out and demand its rightful place at the table.
The question remains: what kind of leadership is the South East producing? Is it leadership that will stand up for the region's rights, or will it continue to perpetuate a culture of sycophancy and political slavery? The answer to this question will determine the future of the South East and its place in the Nigerian federation.
