A group of Igbo leaders under the auspices of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide have started consultations on how an Igbo president will emerge in 2023.
This was made known by the secretary-general of the group, Okechukwu Isiguzuro who observed that the emergence of an Igbo president in 2023 is one major way to ensure the frequent agitation for a sovereign Biafra is no longer on the front burner of issues in Nigeria.
Isiguzoro argued that anything short of this would further increase agitations for Biafra.
According to him, this is why they have started negotiations and bridge-building with the north and other parts of the country to ensure an alliance is in place towards producing an Igbo president in 2023.
He stated that without an Igbo president in 2023, Nigeria’s unity and its corporate existence is threatened but with an Igbo President, not only will the agitations stop, but the activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) will also be curtailed.
He made his views known during a recent interview with Punch.
“2023 Igbo presidency is very feasible and any attempts to derail the project anchoring it on the activities of the secessionist agitations in south-east is not only devilish but mischievously wicked,” Isiguzuro was quoted as saying.
The consequences of denying the Igbo the 2023 presidency will strengthen Biafra agitations and it will sink Nigeria’s corporate existence and threaten its unity.
“The expectation of Igbo to achieve the desired results of having an Igbo succeed President Buhari in 2023 is ongoing.
“The only way to end the secessionist movements and stop them from armed struggle is for the federal government to opt for a political solution to the problem of Biafra agitations, which Igbo presidency is one of it. A Nigerian president of Igbo extraction will end the activities of IPOB.
Secondly, there are ongoing talks with the northern elders and the Arewa chieftains, especially the youths. We believe that the discussions through sincere engagements will change the northern fears over 2023 Igbo presidency.
“One of the practical steps to be taken seriously is the engagement of the other sections of the country especially the north.
“We are building up a new alliance with the north, but definitely, we will achieve this lofty position through building consensus and confidence.”
According to Isiguzuro, only two people of Igbo extraction have openly declared their interest in the 2023 presidency but more are expected to join the race in the coming days.
Source; Bibian Anekwe News
