… Cautions that future of the region depends not only on participation in politics but on wisdom, discipline, unity
The National President of Eastern Union (EU), a Civil Society Organization (CSO), that protects the interests of the old Eastern region of Nigeria, Hon. Charles Chibuzo Anike has lamented that over the decades, the Eastern Region of Nigeria has remained trapped in what he described as a cycle of political naivety.
A condition he noted has continue to produce and reproduce grave consequences, including the painful reality of political isolation and marginalization.
Hon. Anike, who made the remarks in a statement titled ‘Easterners and Political Naivety’ further noted that “it is both unfortunate and deeply worrisome that a people once widely respected, resilient, blessed and envied, have gradually accepted negative stereotypes imposed upon them, largely as a lingering effect of the civil war experience.
“Historically, pre-colonial Eastern Nigerian societies comprising present-day South-East and much of the South-South were formidable, well organized, and courageous.
“They demonstrated remarkable gallantry in the struggles for political independence and socio-economic emancipation.
“The leaders of that era were selfless, principled, and driven by the collective good of their people.
“Notable among them were great traditional figures such as King Jaja of Opobo, King Nana of Itsekiri, Oba Ovonramwen of Benin, some notable Obis and Ezes among others, who embodied courage, dignity, and sacrifice.
“Following them came the early political elites of the pre- and post-independence era well educated, widely exposed, and intellectually equipped leaders who replaced colonial administrators.
“Despite their advantages, they remained largely patriotic and committed to national and regional progress.
“This generation included distinguished figures such as Herbert Macaulay, Alvan Ikoku, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu, Chief M.I Okpara and Chief Anthony Enahoro.
“Subsequently emerged the pre-Civil War leadership class, largely composed of military officers. Among them were Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu, General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Major David Ejoor and General Philip Effiong.
“Within this era, however, early signs of pride, personal ambition, and internal divisions began to manifest.
“In contemporary times, the situation has worsened significantly. We now witness a leadership class that, in many cases, appears to lack the moral courage, conscience, and principled vision that once distinguished Eastern leadership.
He lamented that “the post-civil war political elite, in particular, have been widely perceived as outrightly contributing to the decline in collective political strength.
“This era has been marked by increasing accusations of selfishness, betrayal, excessive greed, and prioritization of personal ambitions over regional interests.
“This pattern has, over time, weakened the political bargaining power of the Eastern region and, arguably, contributed to the sustained marginalization and exploitation of the area within Nigeria’s political structure. Eastern political elites are widely considered and treated as ‘political orphans’.
“More troubling and worrisome is the gradual spread of this political naivety beyond the political class into segments of the business community. Increasingly, prominent entrepreneurs from the Eastern Region has been seen openly align with political actors, often exposing their reputations, their enterprises, and communities to unnecessary risks.
In contrast, many influential business leaders in other regions of Nigeria traditionally maintains strategic distance from overt political participation, offering support discreetly while preserving their corporate integrity and neutrality.
“This difference highlights a critical lesson: economic success and political wisdom must go hand in hand. Public association with volatile political systems can carry long-term consequences for both individuals and the broader community.
Culturally, the Eastern people have historically valued hard work, integrity, communal progress, and merit-based success. Many of the negative traits associated with Nigeria’s contemporary political culture such as deception, division, and opportunism are fundamentally inconsistent with these traditional values.
Hon Anike therefore warned that “attempts to fully adapt to such a political environment without safeguarding our core principles may continue to produce adverse outcomes.
“All these useless efforts to adapt and align with the negative vibes are alien to our cultures and will continue to backfire.
In conclusion he advised that it is imperative for Eastern leaders, business elites, and the wider population to reflect deeply on these realities.
“Political awareness, strategic unity, and principled leadership are essential if the region is to overcome its current challenges and reclaim its rightful place in national political space and development. It’s always senseless and counterproductive for someone who finds him or herself at the center to accept to becoming a tool and agent of distabilolization of the home front, please lets learn and take a cue from others for the peace, unity and progress of our region.
“The future of the Eastern region depends not only on participation in politics but on the wisdom, discipline, and unity with which that participation is pursued,” the statement concluded.