A member of the House of Representatives, Shina Peller, has berated Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the spokesperson of the Northern Elders Forum, NEF, over his comments on the 2023 presidential election.
Naija News reports that the NEF spokesperson had come under intense fire for saying the north won’t allow south produce Nigeria’s next president.
Baba-Ahmed while addressing students at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, on Saturday, said, “We will lead Nigeria the way we have led Nigeria before; whether we are president or vice-president, we will lead Nigeria.
“We have the majority of the votes and the democracy says vote whom you want. Why should we accept a second class position when we know we can buy forms and contests for first class and we will win?
“Why does anybody need to threaten us and intimidate us? We will get that power, but be humble because power comes from God. We inherited leadership, being honest is not being stupid.”
Reacting in a statement on Tuesday, Peller, who represents Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa federal constituency of Oyo State in the green chambers, stated that north cannot retain power forever.
According to the popular socialite, being able to cast the majority votes does not mean that the principle of equity and equality should be ignored.
Shina Peller said: “How can the Northern Elders Forum tell Nigerians that power can’t shift to the south in 2023? I disagree with their position. Having the majority votes does not imply that the principle of equity and equality should be ignored.
“Even as Muslims, our religion preaches peace and for it to flourish, there must be justice, equity and fairness. Power can’t remain in the North forever.
“I expect the South and North to work together to build strong institutions towards promoting unity and bring about a desirable shift in 2023 when there won’t be an incumbent President at the polls.
“This is an opportunity to correct a generational defect not focusing on factors that divides us.”
This article was originally published on Naija News