A zone gets N66B, Southeast gets nothing — Senator Ngwu

DDM News

Senator Osita Ngwu has strongly criticized the federal government over the alleged neglect and marginalization of the Southeast region in Nigeria national budgetary allocations.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the senator raised the alarm following revelations that the entire Southeast zone received no funding, while another unnamed zone was allocated a massive N66 billion.

Ngwu, who represents Enugu West Senatorial District, cited the long-abandoned Ivo Dam project as a prime example of the region’s continuous exclusion from federal infrastructure investment.

Speaking in a video clip published by TV Platinum, the lawmaker expressed outrage over the persistent underdevelopment of the Southeast.

He revealed that the Ivo Dam project in Enugu State last received federal funding over two decades ago.

According to him, N5 billion was spent on the dam 22 years ago, but no significant development has taken place since then.

Ngwu lamented that the project had been completely ignored by the federal government for the past 12 years.

He disclosed that despite his efforts to revive the project, including writing three formal letters to the Ministry of Water Resources, there has been no concrete response or action.

“We have done everything possible to see if they can bring up Ivo Dam,” he said, expressing deep frustration.

The senator was visibly disturbed as he addressed what he described as an “alarming and deliberate” injustice in the distribution of national resources.

He questioned how a single zone could receive N66 billion, while the entire Southeast was not allocated a single naira.

Ngwu described the omission as outrageous and unacceptable, warning that such treatment was fueling resentment and disillusionment in the region.

“The Southeast cannot continually be treated the way Nigeria is treating the Southeast,” he emphasized.

His statement has since triggered a wave of reactions across the region, with many residents and political stakeholders echoing his concerns.

Community leaders, civil society groups, and youth organizations have called on the federal government to take urgent steps to address the imbalance.

They stressed that the continued marginalization of the Southeast is not only unjust but also a threat to national unity and cohesion.

The Ivo Dam project was initially conceived as a major water and irrigation infrastructure to boost agriculture and economic activities in Enugu State.

However, the abandonment of the project has left local communities without access to vital water resources and economic opportunities.

Stakeholders argue that the completion of the dam would provide employment, enhance food security, and drive development in the entire Southeast.

Calls are growing louder for the National Assembly to investigate the pattern of budgetary allocations and ensure equity across all regions.

Many have urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to adopt an inclusive approach that recognizes the legitimate needs of all geopolitical zones.

Some have also warned that the sustained exclusion of the Southeast may deepen feelings of alienation and lead to greater agitations.

Senator Ngwu reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for the interests of his people and promised not to relent until justice is done.

He urged fellow lawmakers from the region to unite in pushing for transparency and fairness in federal spending.

As discussions around national restructuring and resource allocation intensify, the Southeast continues to demand a seat at the table.

Citizens across the five states of the region, Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo , say they deserve their fair share of national development.

Observers believe the situation surrounding the Ivo Dam may become a rallying point for renewed calls for equity and justice in Nigeria.

The federal government is yet to respond officially to Senator Ngwu’s allegations or provide clarification on the alleged N66 billion allocation disparity.

Meanwhile, Southeast residents remain hopeful that their concerns will not be ignored once again in the corridors of power.

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