Today, there is a general feeling among us (the Igbos,) especially within the ranks of the young up-and-coming generation, that as a people, we are deliberately sidelined particularly in the sphere of political leadership of Nigeria.
President of Nigeria No Igbo person has so far been deemed suitable to be put at the helm of affairs, at the apex management position of Nigeria since independence in 1960. Late Owelle of Onitsha, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Nigeria’s pioneer titular head-of-state, took a shot at the office of the executive president of Nigeria in 1979 and 1983. Inspite of his nationally acknowledged role as the foremost crusader for Nigeria’s independence, he scored abysmal results in both elections.
Today, it’s over 57 years since independence yet we, Igbos, are yet to have one of our own take charge of the affairs the country as executive president.
Follow me as I take you down memory lane to refresh your mind on the ways Igbos have supported Nigeria’s growth and development so that you can see why we deserve Nigeria’s presidency in 2019.
Our role in Nigeria has been consistent in the pursuit national unity and inter-ethnic co-operation. Under the leadership of late Owelle of Onitsha, we (the Igbos) played the role bridge builders in the fledgling Nigerian nation. In 1957, when the British colonial government intense pressure from Southern politicians for Nigeria’s independence, attempted to uncouple the union between the North and South forged through late Lord Lugard’s amalgamation of 1914, with an offer of independence to the Northern, the Western, and the Eastern regions separately, provided any two of the three regions accepted the offer.
The Northern region took the position that they were not intellectually ready for such a high level of political independence. The Western region promptly declared their readiness to accept the offer. It was we, Igbos, that held the balance in such a serious issue that could make or break Nigeria. We took the stand that although the Eastern region was ready to assume the responsibilities of regional independence, its attainment without the North will lead to the balkanization of the Nigerian Dream, and break our collective aspirations as Nigerians. We chose to rather let the advancement of our political interests and obvious economic gains be delayed than risk the break-up of Nigeria.
On the Socio-economic front, we have played, and are still playing a leading role in the promotion of national integration. Today, there are several millions of Igbo people living, working, and helping to significantly develop parts of Nigeria outside Igboland. Igbos are present in all communities in Nigeria even the ones in remote villages. For Igbos, everywhere is home.
Indeed, a few years ago, incumbent Kaduna state governor – Mallam Nasir El-rufai – was quoted as saying that Igbo investment in indiogenous property development in Abuja, accounted for 70% of the existing structures. Clearly, we, Igbos, put our money where our heart is (i.e Nigeria’s centre of unity – Abuja.)
It is clear that all along, since British colonial government put together this vast country , the evident role of Igbo people in political history of Nigeria has been that of bridge builder and nation builder But there exists a cruel irony that a people who have done so much to keep Nigeria alive as one nation are being systematically denied their rightful “Federal Character” turn at producing a president for this country.
To rectify this totally unfair anomaly, we should promote everyday the reasons why Igbos deserve Nigeria’s presidency in 2019. By the time President Muhammadu Buhari completes his tenure, Igboland will be the only region in Nigeria that has not produce an executive president of Nigeria. Igbo presidency in Nigeria is not a favour waiting to be granted but a logical and legitimate right of our people. We have abundance of capable heads that can lead Nigeria to success anytime
IGBO KWENU !!!
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