Pan-Igbo socio-political organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo (Worldwide) has expressed confidence that the South-East would produce President Muhammadu Buhari’s successor in 2023.
Ohanaze’s President-General, Prof George Obiozor, stated this at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, Naija News reports.
On how the S/East will speak with one voice ahead of the election, Obiozor said: “Our differences and divergent views will not rob us of the Presidency in 2023.
“Politics is a matter of choice. For the Igbos, having different opinions should not be a concern.
“For your information, no section of the polity has just one opinion, Igbos have different opinions and the opinions converge on the Presidency for South-East in 2023.”
He pointed out that divergent opinions on issues relating to politics are the hallmarks of any democracy, adding that there had never been a time when politicians held single views.
National Confab
The group’s president also berated the Federal Government for refusing to implement the report of the 2014 national conference.
“The 2014 national conference was another missed opportunity. Many of the things were done on consensus. I was South East Coordinator in the confab.
“That confab was another failed attempt at remodelling our federalism. They didn’t want restructuring, they didn’t want federalism,” he said.
IPOB ESN vs Ebuba Agu
Obiozor also spoke on the clash of interest between the Eastern Security Network linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra and Ebube Agu recently established by the South East Governors Forum.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo President said any organisation working for the interest of the people would be welcomed, provided they adopt a civil method of checking crimes and criminality in the region.
Obiozor said, “We are tired of people dividing us with English language. It is about method; I don’t want any method that puts Igbos on harm’s way.
“This time round, the Nigerian President must come from Igbo land, if others achieved it, we must achieve it. Give us our own chance, that is what Igbos are asking for because we deserve it and it is reasonable.”