THE ERA OF “WHAT DID THE SOUTH EAST BRING TO THE NEGOTIATION TABLE?” IS ENDING

A new era is rising in the South East—an era in which the old political question, “What did the South East bring to the negotiation table?” will no longer define our place in national politics. For decades, this question has been used as a tool to diminish, divide, and sow doubt among our people. It has been a convenient strategy for those who benefited from fragmentation within the region, benefiting from the idea that the South East must constantly beg for relevance.

But that era is closing.

The South East is awakening to the reality that political power is not gifted; it is negotiated through unity, numbers, strategy, and collective purpose. And after the 2027 general election, our votes—our bulk votes—will speak louder than any backdoor negotiation or individual political gamble. The days when a few voices would trade away the collective destiny of millions are fading fast.

No one—whether a political emperor, a power broker, or an opportunist—will again use the South East as a bargaining chip for personal gain. The people have learned. The youths are alert. The electorate is wiser. And the region is rediscovering its strength in solidarity, not in scattered loyalties.

When we stand as one, we cannot be ignored.
When we vote with a collective vision, we cannot be sidelined.
When our negotiation is backed by numbers, not by individuals, no one can ask us again, “What did you bring?”—because we will arrive with unity, clarity, and political weight.

As the Igbo saying goes:
“Ayu kata mamiri onu ya agba ufufu.”
When we gather our water into one container, it shakes with force.

That is the future that awaits the South East—one where unity becomes power, and power becomes influence.

The divide-and-rule chapter is closing.
A new chapter of collective political strength is opening.

Sir Maduakolam Kenneth Adighibe is calling on our people to forgive one another and come together in UNITY, so we can build the negotiating power our generation urgently needs. This is the time to reflect deeply on certain choices and bargains we have made, keeping in mind the legacy we owe our children.

Our great leaders—Late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Dr. Akanu Ibiam, Dr. Michael Okpara, and many others—are no longer with us. The roles they played, the sacrifices they made, and the visions they held have now become history, preserved for us to draw wisdom from. They left behind footprints of courage, unity, and purposeful leadership.

Today, they look to us—this generation—to rise above division and bitterness, and to do the needful.
Let us not fail them. Let us not fail ourselves. Let us not fail the generations yet unborn.

“Tata bu gboo” — today is early enough.

Together, let us choose unity. Let us choose progress. Let us choose our future