The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has thrown its weight behind the indigenisation bill proposed under the ongoing constitution review process led by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu. The bill, which aims to grant indigene status to individuals who have resided in a state for 10 years or are married to a Nigerian citizen, has sparked heated debate, with critics alleging it favors the Igbo population, particularly in Lagos.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, National President of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council, condemned the opposition, describing it as an unwarranted attack on Ndigbo. He dismissed claims that the bill is designed to enable Igbo dominance in Lagos, calling such narratives baseless and divisive.
Okwu cited historical precedent, noting that in 1952, Mallam Umaru Altine, a Fulani from Sokoto, was elected the first Mayor of Enugu, a core Igbo region. “This demonstrates the accommodating nature of Ndigbo, contrary to false portrayals of the Igbo as exclusionary,” he said.
He further debunked allegations that non-indigenes face barriers to purchasing property in the South-East, asserting that property transactions in Igbo land are driven by financial capability, not ethnic origin. “The South-East remains open for investment to all Nigerians and beyond,” Okwu stated.
The Ohanaeze youth leader criticized opponents of the bill for perpetuating ethnic biases that hinder Nigeria’s unity. “If people can be counted in their places of residence during a census, why can’t they be recognized as citizens of those places after 10 years?” he questioned.
Urging Nigerians to evaluate the bill on its merits, Okwu called for an end to ethnic polarization. “Ethnicity has held Nigeria back for decades. It’s time to move forward,” he said, reaffirming the group’s support for Deputy Speaker Kalu and the proposed legislation.
