Presidency: North can wait beyond 2015, says Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji

Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji, has dismissed talk that the aspiration for a President to emerge from the South East in the near future is a mirage, saying the zone has never been closer to its realisation than now.

He told Daily Independent at the weekend that contrary to the view that the position would return to the North in 2015 after the supposed end of the tenure of President Goodluck Jonathan, an Igbo man would occupy the Villa.

That, he emphasised, is the calculation that led to Ndigbo deciding not to present any candidate for President this year in the belief that by 2015 other parts of the country would see the need to support the South East for the job.

“Everything is based on sound reasoning, calculation and consideration for the interest of others. The Igbo people are the most considerate in this country and the most patient. We have gone after the quest with a lot of maturity and wisdom.

“That is why we have decided in unison not to contest this year. It is unanimous that we are not contesting,” Orji explained.

“It is because of the wisdom, sensitivity to the feelings of others, and common sense that the entire Igbo people are supporting President Goodluck Jonathan. We believe that we have to give him the support he needs now so that after him, it will come to the Igbo, which is the only zone in this country that has not tasted that office.

“We have not lost sight of it. In fact we are pursuing it with every vigour. An Igbo man is entitled to be President of this country. And you know that Ndigbo are very intelligent people.”

Orji dismissed the contention that the zone has lost the chance because it would be the turn of the North after Jonathan, saying it would be a great injustice to ask the South East to wait for the office to make another round elsewhere, adding that if any zone has to wait, it would be one of those that has held the office.

In his view, by 2015, any zone that steps out to contest the office would be seen as inconsiderate.

“We have fixed our focus for the office in 2015. 2015 is our target.”

Challenged on whether this would be possible, given that Jonathan is from the South South, a neighbour to the South East, Orji said there is nothing impossible about it.

“Why will it not be possible? Have the Igbo tasted it? If it leaves the South South, it should come to the South East. We have not tasted it.”

What about the strong agitation coming from the North? he was asked.

He replied: “The North has tasted it. The South East is the only zone that has not tasted it. We have not produced any President. So, they should give us the chance to produce one. They can afford to wait.”

Orji, who appeared upbeat about the current relationship between Abia and the Federal Government, said it has yielded a lot of positive dividends and the people have become better for it.

The situation has changed, he added, unlike in the past where the state got little support from the centre based on an existing frosty relationship.

He recalled it was based on the intervention of Jonathan that led to a total turn around in the poor security in Abia, making it the safest state in Nigeria at the moment, from its rating as the home of kidnappers.

“You were here in this country and you knew what Aba used to be like. Because of kidnappers, Aba, the commercial nerve centre of the South East and the entire country, was deserted. We had sleepless nights and we were crying everyday.

“We had to cry to the President, who quickly did something and his intervention has solved the problem. Today, Abia is the safest state in Nigeria. That is one of the advantages of working in harmony with the centre, and that is why we have decided to move to the centre and stop being in opposition, which has not led to any positive development for our people.”

Orji said apart from security, Abuja is also taking major steps to support the economic development of the state, citing the intervention in the Alaoji Power Project expected to solve the problem of power supply and hasten economic growth.

Besides, the dry port being proposed for the state, according to him, is getting a lot of attention.

“These are just a few areas. There are so many benefits we have derived from the good relationship, because (Jonathan) has shown a lot of love for our people. That is why here in Abia, you cannot hear any other person than Jonathan. Our support for him is 100 per cent.”

Orji, who flagged off his re-election campaign last Saturday, expressed optimism about retaining power, adding that apart from the fact that the state could not afford to return to opposition, which would be the consequence of not voting for the PDP, it has shown massive support for his government.

“All the elders and the people are united and have spoken with one voice that the PDP is the party to vote for at all elections. So, we are already planning ahead of how we will continue to work to improve their lives, which is the reason for my being in office.

“That’s why I’m here. I’m already planning ahead because I know victory is sure.”

http://naijanet.com/news/source/2011/mar/8/1002.html

Dude is delusional. Truly and utterly insane.

jokers!

He replied: “The North has tasted it. The South East is the only zone that has not tasted it. We have not produced any President. So, they should give us the chance to produce one. They can afford to wait.”

Oga sir, is it our fault that the SE has not yet produced any proficient presidential candidate? Instead of crying for presidency, why not find us one prominent Igbo ready to lead the nation.

Spend less time chasing crack and Kidnapping first. I guess the Yoruba nation must help una again.

Ileke-IdI:

Oga sir, is it our fault that the SE has not yet produced any proficient presidential candidate? Instead of crying for presidency, why not find us one prominent Igbo ready to lead the nation.

Spend less time chasing crack and Kidnapping first. I guess the Yoruba nation must help una again.

^^ first sensible comment u have made since last night.

macjive01:

^^ first sensible comment u have made since last night.

I'm waiting for you to make yours. . . . hope I dont have to wait in vain