Group Decries Marginalisation, Seeks Federal Recognition for Grassroots Support

By our Correspondent

The Omaluegwu Progressive Initiative (OPI), a sociopolitical group that championed grassroots mobilisation for the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2023 elections, has called on the Federal Government to acknowledge its contributions and end the persistent exclusion of its members from national appointments.

Dr. Ginika Tor, Global President of OPI and outgoing Federal Commissioner representing Enugu State at the Federal Character Commission, made the appeal on Wednesday during a press briefing in Abuja to mark the end of her tenure.

Dr. Tor accused the APC of neglecting a loyal support base that braved hostility and danger to campaign for President Bola Tinubu in the Southeast, especially when open support for him was politically risky.

“We took bold steps—organised the first pro-Tinubu rally in the region, mobilised support across six states, and established strategic support groups such as Igbo Kwenu for Asiwaju Shettima—all without financial support,” she stated.

She lamented that despite the group’s unwavering commitment, its members have remained sidelined in federal appointments, while individuals who openly opposed the APC during the elections now occupy key government positions.

“We watch in pain as those who derided us and rejected the President are being rewarded, while our faithful members are left out,” she said.

Dr. Tor also recounted alleged internal suppression within the Federal Character Commission under its outgoing chairperson, Mrs. Muheeba Dankaka. She accused the leadership of nepotism, favoritism, and abuse of office—practices she said were resisted by an “Integrity Group” of commissioners, including herself.

She praised commission staff who recently staged a five-day protest against Dankaka’s reappointment, describing it as a bold stand for transparency and accountability.

Despite filing several complaints about unethical practices, Tor said her concerns were largely ignored, leaving her and others marginalised within the agency.

Nevertheless, she reaffirmed her commitment to justice and good governance, urging President Tinubu to revisit the group’s contributions.

“We are not asking for favours—we are asking for fairness. The President once responded to our chants of ‘Igbo Kwenu.’ He remembers us,” she said. “Twelve years after the founding of OPI, not one member has received a federal appointment. That must change.”