2023: A case for Igbo president

Nigeria was not created on the agreement of its indigenous peoples. The British created Nigeria in this conglomerate largely for their economic interests. But in the long run, it has been discovered that this diversity is a blessing. Unfortunately, since independence, the benefits of this diversity, material resources and population strength have neither been explored […]

Nigeria was not created on the agreement of its indigenous peoples. The British created Nigeria in this conglomerate largely for their economic interests. But in the long run, it has been discovered that this diversity is a blessing.

Unfortunately, since independence, the benefits of this diversity, material resources and population strength have neither been explored nor exploited. Our human and material resources are largely left to lie and remain fallow. These resources are gradually becoming  burdens as they have become readily available tools that are used to threaten the corporate existence of the country. The reason for this underutilisation of human and material resources and its attendant underdevelopment of the country is largely that we have not got our leadership choice right.

It is on the premise of this leadership problem that the need to address the lopsidedness and insensitivity in choosing our leaders becomes an issue of national concern.  In the wisdom of our founding fathers, this country was divided into geopolitical zones. The South East remains the only region that has not produced a president since independence in 1960 except for the short-lived reign of Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi. The best they had had was a ceremonial president and a vice president.

Constitutionally, the Ndigbo might not have a unilateral claim to produce the next president but logically, morally and on the principle of equity, the region is long overdue to produce the next president of the country in 2023.

Why would the Ndigbo not be considered fit enough to produce the country’s president? Could it be because of their political leanings? Is it the fear that they may secede or disintegrate the country? Have they not been forgiven for their roles in the civil war?

None of the above reasons or any other that any person, persons or group can put forward is enough to deny the Ndigbo a sense of belonging in their own country. They have paid their dues. They were also victims of the war. They are the economic power of Nigeria. Their business acme is a major contributor to national revenue. They fly the flags of the country high in the diaspora.

An Igbo president come 2023 is not out of pity. It is not a consensus. It is neither an option nor a political opinion. It is an overdue necessity to heal our country of the unjust treatment of a particular region. It will be a spirit lifter for the victims of the civil war on both sides. It will ensure that our First Republican heroes who paid the supreme price rest in peace. It is a national duty.

Thus, all political parties that wish to field presidential candidates for 2023 General Elections should not only zone their presidential tickets to southern Nigeria; they must also micro-zone it to the South East. This is a cause we all must collectively ensure sees the light of the day. This cause is not only for the Ndigbo but for all Nigerians.

On the other hand, the Igbo must put their house in order. They need unity of purpose to get their rightful due. This is not the time to divide their ranks. They should conduct primary/local elections and come out with the best candidate; a candidate with the best and practicable blueprint to set the basis for national development. A candidate that will convince all the country of what it has missed by denying the Ndigbo their rightful role in national development.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Qudus Adewale Lawal can be reached via [email protected]