Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe of Abia South has downplayed the significance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointment of Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, widow of the late Biafra leader, as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
In an interview with Arise TV, Abaribe commented on the appointment, stating it will not shift the Southeast’s perspective on Tinubu’s administration.
“She deserves to be a minister in her own right, but appointing her isn’t a solution for the Southeast,” Abaribe stated. “Those advising Mr. President aren’t guiding him properly. What the Southeast desires is fair treatment, comparable to what other regions receive. Simply appointing her doesn’t rectify existing imbalances.”
Abaribe further explained that equal distribution of ministerial roles could foster a sense of unity. “If there are 50 ministries, divide them by six regions, giving each region at least eight ministries. That would show a commitment to even-handedness,” he said.
He also argued that key economic positions remain concentrated in the Southwest, highlighting roles such as the Central Bank Governor and Minister of Finance. “Is this what the constitution prescribes?” Abaribe asked, referencing Section 14 (4), which emphasizes equitable government practices.
Beyond appointments, Abaribe criticized what he sees as excessive government spending, noting, “With our massive debt, we should cut expenses, yet we’ve expanded the cabinet, raising the cost of governance.”
The senator argued that such actions contribute to public frustration amid rising costs and inflation. “The people see the government’s extravagance while they face hardship, rising fuel, and electricity prices. This disconnect is fueling public discontent,” Abaribe concluded.
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