A former National Publicity Secretary of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chuks Ibegbu, has said it comes to him as a surprise that Nigeria’s Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo whom he considered a man of God would be interested in vying for the 2023 presidency.
Bibian Anekwe News understands that Ibegbu said this while faulting the interest of Bola Tinubu, National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in becoming the nation’s next leader.
Ibegbu observed that age is already telling on the likes of Tinubu, Atiku, same as Osinbajo, adding that Nigeria at the moment needs a young and dynamic person who has the energy to move around.
He charged the three aspirants to kindly pick a credible presidential candidate from the Southeast.
Recall that Tinubu had disclosed earlier that he had informed President Muhammadu Buhari of his intention to run for the 2023 presidency.
However, Ibegbu said: “I’m surprised that people like Tinubu dare to come out, and I’m amazed that our Vice President, whom I see as a man of God, is also aspiring.
“The other time the President complained that age is telling on him, that if he works for some hours, he becomes exhausted. Should a very complex nation like Nigeria be ruled by such people that age is not on their side? Nigeria is a very complex nation, and this country can give a young man a headache.
“Tinubu did his bit in Lagos when he was governor; he was vibrant then, but age is not on his side now. Tinubu is almost 90 years old now; forget about what he is saying about his age. He should be about 80 something but claiming to be 60 something. Age is not on his side now.
“So, why can’t they stay behind and advise younger people from the Southeast? I’m challenging Tinubu and Atiku to sit together and help to look for a credible presidential candidate from the Southeast, whether in APC, PDP, or APGA. Both of them should have a meeting with Osinbajo to help look for a credible, nice young candidate from the Southeast.”
Speaking on Atiku’s presidential ambition, Ibegbu noted that the Adamawa State-born politician has a lot of financial war chests that he can use to support young people who are interested in the position to contest.
“Let him bring out the money and support somebody who will make Nigeria a better place,” Ibegbu noted.
He added: “If they don’t become President, they won’t die. Awolowo would have been the best President we ever had if things had gone well, he handled Western Nigeria very well, and he should have handled the country very well.
“My advice to Tinubu and Atiku is to help midwife a young visionary and dynamic person from the Southeast to succeed Buhari.
“Age is a factor in ruling a diverse nation like Nigeria; how can you be around 80 or 90 years and you are trying to be President? What will you tell your God when you die?” Ibegbu asked.
Source; Bibian Anekwe News
