2023: South-East Presidency Or Igbo Presidency?
By SKC Ogbonnia
July 18, 2020.

Since zoning of political offices has become the order of the day in Nigeria, an equitable consensus would follow that Southern Nigeria—the Igbo in particular—will produce the next president of the country, come 2023. But such zoning convention has begun to beg the question: Would the candidacy be open to the entire Igbo nation or would such opportunity be limited to the South-East zone of Nigeria?

The answer is a no brainer: The ticket ought to be open to the entire Igbo nation of the Southern extraction. Here is why.

The proponents of rotational presidency argue that the concept would ensure a sense of belonging among Nigeria’s disparate ethnic groups. Of the three Nigerian major tribes, namely, the Igbo, Hausa-Fulani, and the Yoruba; only the Igbo are yet to lead the country under a democratic setting.

The Igbo nation—that is, people sharing similar heritage, including culture, names, language, and religion—is beyond the South-East zone. But many political pundits understandably like to paint a marginal picture, and the gullible society, the Igbo not excluded, never hesitates to buy the gambit. This distortion has perpetuated because of the fleeting nature of memory in the Nigerian state, where true history has been tabooed.

Besides Igbo indigenous communities in other states; the Ohaneze Ndigbo, the umbrella Igbo socio-cultural group, is a seven-state structure, denoting areas with sizeable Igbo population, namely: Abia, Anambra, Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states. The key offices are also distributed and rotated among the member states.

For example, while the current President General of Ohaneze, Barrister John Nwodo, is from Enugu State of South-East zone, the General Secretary (Barrister Uche Okwukwu) and Vice- President General (Dr. Sylvanus O. Ebigwei) hail from the South-South states of Rivers and Delta, respectively. Needless to mention that Ambassador Ralph Uwechue, an indigene of Delta State, was the Ohaneze President-General between 2009 and 2013.

A defining muddle is that, of the seven Ohaneze states, only Delta and Rivers are in the South-South zone. The implication is that the Igbo indigenous communities have found themselves in the minority among the ethnic nationalities that make up the South-South zone. Therefore, if the presidency is to be zoned based on the existing six zone-structure of Nigeria, a South-South Igbo of this generation cannot realistically aspire to lead the country, his or her credentials notwithstanding.

The foregoing hypothesis was tested in 2007 when the South-South zone lobbied for the presidency. The South-South Igbo, remember, were told in unmistakable terms to explore such ambition whenever it is the turn of their kith and kin in the South-East.

It is on such backdrop that Pa Edwin Clark, the Leader of the South-South zone, made the infamous (or rather the rational) statement that Dr. Peter Odili, a former governor of Rivers state, had no moral right to encroach on the turn of the zone. Even though Mr. Odili was arguably the most compelling presidential aspirant of in the 2007 electoral season, he was blackballed mainly because of his Igbo heritage.

The South-South Igbo must not be allowed to suffer a double political whammy. Having been sidelined by their South-South neighbors in 2007, based on ethnic orientation, it behooves the South-East Igbo to accommodate their kith and kin in the race for the 2023 presidency.

Make no mistake about this: The South-East is the only zone in Southern Nigeria that is yet to produce a democratically elected president. Therefore, embarking on the presidential project solely through prism of the South-East can be superficially plain. But the Igbo must be careful not to tempt a pyrrhic victory.

Politics is a game of number. We can take a cue from the political genius of our Hausa-Fulani counterparts. Despite their vastly disparate ethnic origins, the Fulani and the Hausa groups in the three Northern zones have molded into a seemingly homogeneous political block. It is not surprising, therefore, that they show a united front in the different political parties whenever it is the turn of the North to produce the president.

Though the North-West zone has dominated over the years, the people go the extra mile to ensure that the inherent zoning arrangement does not foreclose the aspirations of the Hausa or Fulani-speaking people from the North-East. That is how recent doyens of the North-East politics, such as Adamu Ciroma, Bamanga Tukur, Atiku Abubakar, and Nuhu Ribadu, were able to mount respectable presidential bids.

Broadening the Igbo political map is a win-win. It will offer Nigerians a larger pool of aspirants to choose from. Besides a galaxy of presidential aspirants from the South-East, it would also address the aspirations of the South-South Igbo, particularly those in their prime, for example, Patrick Utomi, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Ifeanyi Okowa, Tony Elumelu, Peter Odili, Mike Okiro, Chibuike Amaechi, and Nyesom Wike, to name a few.

Unity is power. A united Igbo front has a better chance of winning the zoning debate, to begin with. Further, a Nigerian presidential project anchored through the entire Igbo nation has the potential to unite the people towards common purpose. It can halt the defeatist trajectory of postwar politics and de-Igbonization policy of successive national governments, which have combined to fracture the Igbo unity to the point where some never hesitate to deny their Igbo heritage either for post-war survival or in exchange of political porridge. It can equally instill commonsense to those who use mere political affiliations or boundaries to assume superior Igbo heritage over the others.

Igbo bu Igbo! The hint is that the South-East and South-South Igbo share a common destiny in the Nigerian experience. And they ought to share good fortunes, as they did past misfortunes. For instance, the South-East Igbo bore (or have continued to bear) the brunt of the first Nigeria coup, led by Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu, a South-South Igbo. Similarly, the South-South Igbo were not spared by the actions of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, a South-East Igbo, who led the Biafran war. The bond between the two Igbo groups is not lost in the fact that they have sustained similar voting patterns in national elections, despite postwar feuds, orchestrated by successive national governments.

A Nigerian president of Igbo extraction will not only heal the wounds of the past, it is also a bold step in harnessing the country’s abundant potential towards the greater good. It is an opportunity for equity and justice. It is an opportunity to assuage the long-standing distrust against Igbo-speaking people of Nigeria. It is a profound opportunity for the Igbo to reverse the downward spiral of distrust created among themselves by artificial post-civil war boundaries.

Dr. SKC Ogbonnia, a former presidential aspirant, writes from Ugbo, Awgu, Enugu State.
Twitter: @ SKCOgbonnia
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Why this people dey wail Na? Presidential nomination form is less than 25 million in PDP and APC why not try your luck


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Igbá sonù, e lée sàmìsi; edákun e kókó wágbá rí ná

Great article, but you missed the point. The South East have never denied their own and have historically paid dearly for not denying those politically referred to as midwest/south-south Igbos such as Nzeogwu and other coup plotters during the 1966 coup. However, a lot has happened since then and things have fallen apart, mainly caused by the aftermath of the civil war. Some group we call brothers have told us to our face that we are not one people and now flaunt their new ethnic and primordial sentiments on our face. Because we didn't push these groups away, we'll never beg them to return to the fold. They've made their decision and should accept their fate.

Over time, we’ve learnt to mind our business and champion our course ourselves. Never shall the Ikwerre, Ika, Ukwuani etc represent Ndigbo. Igbos know themselves and our own know us. Therefore in that vein the Enuani’s in the mould of Okonjo-Iweala, Tony Elumelu, Pat Utomi, Ned Nwoko, Jay-Jay Okocha etc are those we see as brothers and sisters. And if by chance our plea for Igbo presidency is granted to rule our dear country, the bolded names above and their kins are welcomed to represent us. However, when the slot is returned to the south-south minorities, it's our hope that the Bini’s (the kiths and kins) of the Ikwerre, Ika and Ukwuani etc surrender their slot to them in the spirit of Edo brotherhood. And we by our nature will surely support whoever the south-south present.
Thanks!

UdechiHD:
Great article, but you missed the point. The South East have never denied their own and have historically paid dearly for not denying those politically referred to as midwest/south-south Igbos such as Nzeogwu and other coup plotters during the 1966 coup. However, a lot has happened since then and things have fallen apart, mainly caused by the aftermath of the civil war. Some group we call brothers have told us to our face that we are not one people and now flaunt their new ethnic and primordial sentiments on our face. Because we didn't push these groups away, we'll never beg them to return to the fold. They've made their decision and should accept their fate.

Over time, we’ve learnt to mind our business and champion our course ourselves. Never shall the Ikwerre, Ika, Ukwuani etc represent Ndigbo. Igbos know themselves and our own know us. Therefore in that vein the Enuani’s in the mould of Okonjo-Iweala, Tony Elumelu, Pat Utomi, Ned Nwoko, Jay-Jay Okocha etc are those we see as brothers and sisters. And if by chance our plea for Igbo presidency is granted to rule our dear country, the bolded names above and their kins are welcomed to represent us. However, when the slot is returned to the south-south minorities, it's our hope that the Bini’s (the kiths and kins) of the Ikwerre, Ika and Ukwuani etc surrender their slot to them in the spirit of Edo brotherhood. And we by our nature will surely support whoever the south-south present.
Thanks!

Very sound response. I had in mind to coin something in that regard, until I read your submission.

You cannot represent the Igbo if you don't believe you are Igbo, regardless of whether you speak Igbo and bear Igbo names. Igbo bu Igbo must never make such a mistake.

The only people that must represent us must be thorough-bred Igbos. Igbos through thick and through thin. Not fair weather Igbos. That will be a huge mistake.

One thing that is for sure is that the Igbos of the SE did not de-Igbo any group in the SS. Any de-igbonization was carried out by those SS groups, so in the same vein, such groups must not be allowed to produce any candidate that represents Ndigbo.

Of course, the Enuanis, Ndokis e.t.c. are welcome to the party and I personally have no issues if the candidate emerges from such groups in the SS.

I don’t mind any of the above south south igbos mentioned except Chibuike Amaechi. This guy is not the only ikwerre politician , let them present another.

Enough of all this epistle.. When you guys made up your mind about SE presidency Igbo presidency, Biafra or referendum, let us know

Igbos/ipob presidency is a fiction...

Afonja don't worry, we will open Tinubu's nyansh for all of you to see

I am sick and tired of Hausa/Fulani, Igbo and Yoruba turn. Are these three the only ethnic groups in Nigeria?

What about Edo, Efik, Berom etc, they are not qualified or what.

What exactly has these so called majors done for their ethnic group since the discovery of oil?

I do not care if Igbo or Biafran get his turn since Jonathan but it seems that if every ethnic group has a shot at it, many of us would be far gone before the rotation turn to each again.

Once we realize this rotation for President will become mute.

Just elect a Minority for President.

All those clamoring for it will let us rest.

*JUSTICE AND EQUITY GROUP* (JEG) *OFFICIALLY INAUGURATED IN ABUJA*

- *HELD THEIR FIRST PRESS CONFERENCE*

A new political presure group *JUSTICE AND EQUITY GROUP* (JEG) has been Inagurated in Abuja
According to the National Coordinator of JEG , Prince Mike Akubueze during a crowded National Press Conference in Abuja on Monday 20th of July 2020 He said :

*JUSTICE AND EQUITY GROUP* (JEG) is a Political Pressure Group with two major aims
(1) Correcting the misrepresentation of Igbo Presidency : There is nothing like Igbo Presidency rather we are asking for Nigerian President of Igbo extraction.

(2) Convincing Nigerians to vote for Nigerian President of Igbo extraction in 2023.

According to Prince Mike Akubueze,many non Igbos are supporting the campaign for Igbos to produce Nigeria president in 2023 but they are not comfortable with the frenzy of tagging it Igbo Presidency because according to them it looks absurd since the person will not be leading or ruling only Ndi Igbo hence we want to use this group to disabuse the minds of such people and also to correct such negative impression which if allow unchecked will affect the quest of the Igbos to produce a dream Nigeria President of Igbo extraction in 2023.
He charged every Nigerian irrespective of tribe or religion to join this campaign if not for any other thing but because of Justice ,equity and fair play.
In his submission ,the Media Director of Justice and Equity Group, Hon. Dan Opara assured Nigerians that JEG will make sure that 2023 will be a landmark year in the history of Nigeria political history because we will make sure that all Nigerians will be carried along in this struggle to allow the Igbos to produce the best Nigeria president of Igbo extraction.

Making his Presentation, the Legal Adviser of Justice and Equity Group Barrister Okafor Chukwuebuka David said 'This Pressure Group is not affiliated to any Political Party or Politician.
We believe there are more than enough capable Nigerians from Igbo extraction who are good enough to be President of Nigeria in 2023.' He also reminded Nigerians that since Nnamdi Azikiwe held the office of the president of Nigeria (albeit in ceremonial position in 1963 - 1966.) no Igbo man has ruled the country again . He advised Nigerians to use 2023 presidential election to correct this abnormally.

Mr. Sample Okwandu ,the national Secretary of JEG asked the Igbos to put their house in order and come up with only honest and focus Igbo men or women that will be acceptable to all Nigerians.
He said part of the groups job is to create awareness and to convince every Nigerian to support this Noble course. He said soon JEG will embark on House to House campaign to convince every household in Nigeria to stand for Equity in Nigeria by supporting Nigeria President of Igbo extraction in 2023.
He said JEG has concluded arrangement to place one giant billboard in each of the 37 states capital and Abuja and he enjoined Nigerians to support this course by sponsoring the installation of these 37 billboards all over Nigeria which is part of the awerness campaign.

NOT IGBO PRESIDENCY BUT NIGERIA PRESIDENT OF IGBO EXTRACTION

I support Nigeria president of Igbo extraction. one love Nigeria

*NOT IGBO PRESIDENCY BUT NIGERIA PRESIDENT OF IGBO EXTRACTION* POWERED BY *JUSTICE AND EQUITY GROUP (JEG)*

*VACANCY FOR STATE COORDINATORS*

Are you a Nigerian (18 years and Above) and share in our vission and Mission of electing Nigeria President of Igbo extraction in 2023? If yes, we are searching for volunteers to work as State Coordinators in all the 36 states of Nigeria and FCT.

*Qualifications*:
(1). Must possess a minimum of O. Level Certificate.
(2) Must be above 18 years
(3) Must be financially independent to sponsor him / her self to meetings
(4) Must be resident in the state he/she is applying to coordinate
(5) Must be verse in Nigeria politics
(6) Must be ready to work with little or no supervisions .
(7) Must posses voters card .

*METHOD OF APPLICATION*:

Address your application to :
Chiarman of State Coordinator's screening committee, Justice and Equity Group, Promoters of *NOT IGBO PRESIDENCY BUT NIGERIA PRESIDENT OF IGBO EXTRACTION* stating your name, phone number,age ,state applying to coordinate,name and address of next of kin and send it via WhatsApp to 08069002604.
Closing date for submission of application is Monday, 3rd August 2020.
Sign:
Management.

We don't want acidic governance from political vultures, the coup of January 1966 is still fresh in our memory