Chief Okpala answered questions about the proportion of South East ministers and the importance of the portfolios they were given in an exclusive interview with The Sun.
Responding to questions about the perceived lack of adequate representation for the South East in the federal government, Chief Okpala emphasized the importance of considering not only the number of ministers from a particular region but also the quality and significance of the portfolios they hold.
He acknowledged that while the South East may have fewer ministers compared to other regions, the allocation of key portfolios demonstrates a commitment to ensuring equitable representation. Chief Okpala pointed out that for the first time in history, an Igbo man from the South East has been appointed as the Minister of Works.
He stated, “You talked about every part of the country being accommodated in government. The South East has only five ministers out of 48. Would you say that is fair to the people of the zone?
“What about the portfolios given to them? You can have 10 ministers in another state, five ministers here, 20 there. What about portfolios? This is the first time an Igbo man from the South East has been given the position of Minister of Works. It is not easy.
Furthermore, Chief Okpala highlighted other sensitive areas where individuals from the South East have been entrusted with positions of honor.
“There are other sensitive areas where Igbos have been put in position of honour; very salient areas that are of economic importance in this country. Compare the positions south-easterners are holding today to the position they have held in the past and you will know, who has done well in the protection of the rights of south-easterners. You will rank Tinubu first,” he added. CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
