Willy Ezugwu is a former Secretary General of the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) and the Igwe of Ibagwa Opi Autonomous Community in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State. He speaks in this interview with ANAYO EZUGWU on the ongoing nationwide protest, the South East Development Commission (SEDC) and calls for the release leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu

You recently called for the release of the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to curb insecurity in the South-East. How will that restore peace to the zone?

Yes, it is key to curbing insecurity in the SouthEast. Those who don’t understand what is happening or those who want to play politics with the situation may say that releasing Nnamdi Kanu as a measure to curb insecurity in the South East is a complex issue but Kanu’s release will help reduce tension in the zone as his detention has been a rallying point for common criminals, claiming to be speaking for IPOB and fighting for his release.

It will also open doors for genuine dialogue and negotiations between the government and IPOB leaders, which could lead to a peaceful resolution of grievances and a reduction of violence and militant activities in the South-East.

He will be able to lead his genuine followers to engage in peaceful discussions with leaders in the zone. With the establishment of the South East Development Commission, I would want to believe that the underlying issues driving insecurity in the South East are poverty, unemployment and cry of marginalization.

So, keeping him in detention after the court ruled against his incarceration has emboldened criminals pretending to be fighting for his freedom in the South-East.

You talked about the South East Development Commission (SEDC); how did you receive President Tinubu’s signing into law of the bill for its establishment?

It is a welcome development and hopefully, it will address the years of absence of federal presence in the South-East. I hope that the commission will be adequately funded to be able to change the narrative in the South-East and give the people of the zone a sense of belonging and reduce agitations in the zone.

What is your take on the ongoing national protest against hardship and bad governance?

I think the government should try and see what it can do about the underlying issues fueling the protest. In as much as the citizens have the right to protest as a way of expressing their grievances against the government, the protesters must not be violent and avoid destruction of public infrastructure. Dialogue is key to resolving grievances and I can only say that anyone who wants to protest should be peaceful and lawful, while avoiding violence.

How would you react to the issue of hardship in Nigeria?

Hardship in Nigeria is real; I will not lie to you. People are suffering, so we need leaders to be alive to their responsibilities. Mr. President and his cabinet needs to do more. The same call is going to the states and local governments; all hands must be on deck to reduce the suffering of the masses in almost all parts of the country.

Do you think the traditional institution can still be of good use in deepening democracy in Nigeria?

Of course, the traditional institution can still be of good use in sustaining democracy in Nigeria and that’s why there has been agitation for constitutional roles for traditional rulers.

The traditional institution and leaders have played important roles in the society for years. They have continued to be of influence and are respected.

For example, when you talk about cultural relevance, traditional institutions are well rooted in culture and are more accessible as well as within the reach to ordinary citizens than today’s democratic institutions because they are closer to the people. Traditional rulers live among the masses, so a constitutional role will legalise their roles in a democracy.

Also, when you think of grassroots engagement, traditional rulers can mobilize citizens at the grassroots level as well as promote participation and engagement in democratic processes. We see it every day.

The traditional institution is also known for its role in resolving conflicts. I know how many cases awaiting my intervention in my community right now.

So, there is no doubt that traditional rulers have over the years played a role in resolving conflicts and disputes within their domains. And because they know the people in their communities, their skills in settling cases can be a way to promote.

Hardship in Nigeria is real; I will not lie to you. People are suffering, so we need leaders to be alive to their responsibilities. Mr President and his cabinet need to do more

peaceful democratic processes. Don’t also forget that the traditional institution can play an advisory role that can guide elected officials, drawing from their experience and knowledge of local customs and traditions.

Even with the insecurity in some parts of the country, the traditional institution can play a major role if given the constitutional power it deserves.

As a former Leader of the CNPP, how do you see the gale of crises rocking the political parties today?

It is part of politics; it is all about interests but it becomes worrisome when the issues go beyond what is best for the society.

This is because of power struggles and competition for leadership positions and control within the party. But most of the time, it is not based on conflicting views on policy and direction.

It is usually about individual interests clashing with party goals or based on tensions along ethnic, regional or religious lines. However, it is happening because of lack of internal democracy which arises most of the time from imposition of candidates.

If not that most of our politicians are selfish, internal crisis will be minimal among political parties. These crises have led to splits, defections and loss of public trust, which is affecting the parties’ ability to function effectively.

How would you assess the performance of the 10th National Assembly under the Leadership of Senator Godswill Akpabio?

The President of the Senate is doing his best but more is expected from him. The National Assembly should show empathy and work for the ordinary people of this country.

How long are we going to live on earth and how much money do we need in our lifetime? The only legacy we will leave behind when we are gone is how much impact we made in the lives of the masses.

What is your take on the recent comment by the Senior Special Assistant to the President of Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga that Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Mr.Peter Obi, is behind the #EndbadGovernance protest?

It was unfortunate and if I were the President I would have sacked him to show the people that I didn’t authorise him to make such an allegation.

Is he saying that the only people suffering as a result of the current economic hardship are Peter Obi’s supporters? If it is so, then he is telling us that too many people are supporting Peter Obi because the suffering masses are uncountable and they cut across political and religious divides.

The government should address the concerns of suffering Nigerians and reduce the impact of the economic hardship. Many Nigerians are hungry and jobless and Mr. President should know that.

The President may be trying but the Nigerian masses demand more from him. We live with them in our communities and we know the extent of the suffering in the land.

How do you see the government’s plea as a solution to end protest and hardship?

The government has done what any government should have done. I hope that the people can endure the hardship more to allow the President to implement his policies.

Is the N70,000 minimum wage commensurate with the economic realities?

Well, it is better than N30,000 minimum wage but it cannot buy a bag of rice today. But I will leave it for the workers to decide if it is commensurate with economic realities but from the feelers we get, it is not.

What the government can do now is to bring down the cost of living. Prices of foodstuff and other basic commodities are too high and out of reach of the average worker in Nigeria.

Are you among those calling on Igbos across Nigeria to boycott the rumoured nationwide protest and why?

Yes, Igbos should stay away from the protest because they are the ones suffering from marginalisation, since the APC government came in 2015, and nobody cared.

So, the Igbos are used to suffering and have only survived by God’s grace and hard work. Igbos are not lazy and will always survive. If Igbos survived the civil war and marginalisation since 1999, they will overcome the current hardship in Nigeria.

What is your feeling about the choice of leadership in 2027?

The 2027 general election is still far away. We should not be talking about the choice of leadership by the people.

The people have always made their choice but forces within and outside the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will not allow their choices to stand.

The best legacy any President can leave is free, fair and credible elections. You can see how former President Goodluck Jonathan is being celebrated across the world for not interfering with the outcome of the 2015 general election.