The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Forum of State Presidents has criticised the Federal Government for excluding the Southeast from Nigeria’s ongoing gas pipeline projects.

Speaking in Awka, Rivers State president of Ohanaeze, Livingstone Wechie, urged the government to invest in gas infrastructure across the region, noting that the Southeast holds vast natural gas reserves that remain underutilised.

Wechie described the exclusion as unfair and a continuation of the neglect of the Igbo region despite its economic and industrial potential. He said developing gas pipelines in the Southeast would create jobs, attract investors, and promote national balance.

He also called on President Bola Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), saying his continued detention hurts peace efforts in the region.

While commending the establishment of the South-East Investment Company and the South-East Development Commission, Wechie urged the Federal Government to take more concrete steps to ensure full inclusion of the Igbo in national development.

The group also backed the creation of Anioma State and encouraged Igbos at home and abroad to participate actively in voter registration to strengthen their political influence.