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Umeh decries marginalization of S’East; calls for constitution review
DDM NEWS
Sen Victor Umeh
Senator Victor Umeh have been vocal about the marginalization of the South East region in Nigeria’s political and infrastructural development.
According to Senator Umeh, the current constitution disadvantages the South East, citing the military-imposed structure as a major contributor to the region’s underdevelopment.
Senator Umeh highlights the imbalance in the current system, emphasizing that the South East is often overlooked in key appointments and resource allocation.
The region suffers from inadequate infrastructure, hindering economic growth and development.
Senator David Umahi, Minister of Works, however, praises President Bola Tinubu for addressing these imbalances, citing ongoing road infrastructure projects in the South East as evidence of the president’s commitment.
Senator Umeh advocates for a constitutional review to address the South East’s marginalization and promote equitable distribution of resources.
The senator’s call is part of a growing chorus of voices demanding structural justice and rebuilding Nigeria through economic policies and foundations of equity, representation, and inclusion .
Senator Stella Oduah disagrees with critics who say former President Muhammadu Buhari didn’t do well in the South East.
She praises Buhari’s infrastructural developments in the region, stating that anyone who claims otherwise is being unfair to themselves and the zone.
Minister David Umahi commends President Tinubu for breaking the long-standing marginalization of the South East, highlighting the president’s efforts to ensure equitable distribution of resources.
Senator Victor Umeh said that there still exist systemic marginalisation of the South East geopolitical zone.
He described the situation as unjust, unbalanced.
Umeh is a member of the Senate Committee on the ongoing Review of the 1999 Constitution.
Speaking during a constitutional engagement in Ebonyi State, Umeh gave an indepth critique of Nigeria’s military-imposed constitution, warning that unless deliberate efforts are made to correct the inherited structural injustices, national unity and equity will remain elusive.
“The first problem is that the constitution we operate today was not produced through a democratic, civilian process,” Umeh said.
“It was a military constitution, crafted by a government that imposed a structure which continues to disadvantage the Southeast.
The injustices are not abstract—they are measurable, visible, and deeply entrenched,” he further stated.
Citing figures to drive home his point, the senator noted that the Southeast remains the only region with just five states and a total of 95 local government areas (LGAs), compared to the Northwest’s 186 LGAs, including 44 in Kano and 38 in Jigawa.
The Southwest and South-South boast 137 and over 100 LGAs respectively.
“Federal appointments, resource distribution, and even national delegate voting during party primaries are all tied to state and LGA numbers.
This imbalance is not just political—it affects our economic development and national relevance.”
Highlighting the skewed nature of ministerial appointments, he lamented that while some zones have up to eight ministers in the current administration, the Southeast is limited to five due to its fewer states.
This, he said, is not a reflection of merit or competence, but of constitutional design rooted in inequality.
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