The All Progressives Congress, APC, youths in the South East have strongly criticized the appointment of Obinna Ihedioha, brother of former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha and a key leader in the African Democratic Congress, ADC, as Executive Director of the Nigeria Revenue Service, NRS, by President Bola Tinubu.
They described the decision as a “direct insult” to loyal members of their party in the Southeast region.
In a statement signed by Chukwuemeka Chidi, National Coordinator of the APC Igbo Youth Forum, the youths accused the current government of rewarding individuals connected to the opposition while sidelining party members who faced threats, hostility, and exclusion from politics during the 2023 election campaigns.
They claimed that Obinna Ihedioha is linked to opposition political groups and allegedly worked for Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, in the last general elections.
They also noted his connections to some members of the ADC and questioned how someone with such affiliations could be allowed to hold a sensitive role in a key national revenue organization.
The youths expressed concerns that his role as Executive Director for People, Stakeholders, and Communication, representing the South East, raises serious questions about security and loyalty.
The statement said: “Putting a known opposition supporter in charge of managing people and handling communication at the Nigeria Revenue Service is very risky and harmful.
“The decision undermines loyalty within the party, discourages grassroots participation, and sends the wrong message to APC supporters who invested time, money and even risked their safety to help the party in the South East.”
The youths accused current leaders of political appeasement, which they say undermines both loyalty and competence.
They warned that they would organize protests across the country if the appointment is not reconsidered, emphasizing that the South East region has numerous qualified and loyal APC members deserving of federal positions.
They urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to act immediately, reverse the appointment, and ensure that federal roles meant for their region are not given to individuals who, in their view, openly opposed the current government.
