Iheanacho Nwosu and Kenneth Ofoma
30 September 2005
Abakaliki — AGITATIONS over which geopolitical zone should produce the country's president in 2007 resurfaced yesterday with Ndigbo reaffirming that their intention to produce the number one citizen cannot br negotiated.
Also, they called on the Federal Government to take advantage of recent postponement of the national census to include religion, ethnicity, state of origin and other necessary information in the census data in accordance with internationally acceptable standards.
Speaking at this year's Igbo Day celebration in Abakaliki, Governor Sam Egwu of Ebonyi State said Ndigbo have more than paid their dues for the economic survival of the nation, adding that it is only fair that the next President comes from among them.
Discussing notions that the project to produce a Nigerian president of Igbo stock may have been mortgaged, the governor who was host of the event, contended that the "Igbo presidential project remains both viable and realizable."
In the same tone Governor Orji Uzor Kalu of Abia State and President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Prof. Joe Irukwu (SAN) said the Igbo will leave nothing to chance in realizing the presidential dream.
Governor Kalu, in his short and inspirational speech, urged Ndigbo to unite and take their destiny in their hands, saying he who is not appreciated does not disown himself.
He said: "The Igbo presidency boat is in motion," just as he urged Ndigbo to "join the boat."
Restating the need for unity, Gov. Egwu, in his welcome address said unity of the ethnic group was essential if they would make any impact in the political battle with other geopolitical zones.
He said theme of the celebration "Onye Ahala Nwanne ya" ("Do not forsake your brother") captured the message which every Igbo should be interested in, advising that Ndigbo should continue to uphold the twin "concepts of togetherness and brotherhood as articles of faith and indices for social, economic and political engagements."
He paid glowing tribute to past Igbo leaders like Nigeria's first president, the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Premier of the defunct Eastern Region, the late Dr. Michael Okpara, the late Dr. Akanu Ibiam, among others, challenging the present generation of Ndigbo to borrow a leaf from them.
The governor also commended President Olusegun Obasanjo, noting that his administration has put in place reformatory initiatives and commitment for sustainable development of the nation.
On the census, Prof. Irukwu said the Igbo will continue to insist that state of origin, religion and ethnicity be incorporated in the headcount instrument. He described postponement of the census exercise as a good opportunity for the nation's authorities to make all necessary amendments to ensure that the exercise is not marred by controversy.
Irukwu, however, restated commitment of Ndigbo to me progress of the country but warned that the group would not accept any suppression of its interest, under any guise.
Reliving contributins of Igbo delegates to the recently concluded National Political Reforms Conference (NPRC), the Ohanaeze president said the delegates stood for what would benefit generality of Nigerians like justice, equity and fair play.
The Igbo day event was attended by prominent personalities including deputy governor of Anambra State, Chief Ugochukwu Nwankwo, representive orf Kaduna State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Makarfi, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Senator Francis Ellah, Chief Rochas Okorocha, and Chief Mbazuluike Amechi.
Also in attendance were immediate past president general of Ohanaeze, Justice Eze Ozobu, president of Aka Ikenga, Chief Christ Asoluka and others.
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