By Oginyi Ruth
The apex Igbo socio-cultural youth organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council (OYC) Worldwide says it has began consultation with other geopolitical zones in the country to facilitate the emergence of an Igbo president in 2023.
OYC, which has been critical of the activities of the Nnamdi Kanu-led Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) for attack Igbo leaders, said the emergency of an Igbo President would end the agitation for succession and marginalization in the region.
The group stated this in a statement signed by President-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, where it urged political leaders from the region to disregard IPOB threat to attack them aside the country.
Isiguzoro stated that the actualization of the Igbo presidency in 2023 would mark the extinction of IPOB.
It maintained that OYC was ready to commence consultation with Arewa Consultative Forum, Northern Elders Forum, and Coalition of Northern groups, with the intention to seal the bound that has been existing between them as old allies since 1960.
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The youths also expressed satisfaction with the leadership of the South-East Governors’ Forum lead by Ebonyi State Governor, Engr. David Nweze Umahi.
The statement read, “Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide observed there are fears in some quarters, especially from prominent Northern groups and leaders over the recent antecedents of IPOB towards destroying the trust and endangering the prospect of a Nigeria president of Igbo stock in 2023. With the realization of Igbo presidency in 2023, Igbos will be happier in Nigeria, and activities of IPOB will fizzle out like a vapour.
“IPOB activities will bring the realisation of Nigeria president of Igbo stock. With insinuation that IPOB activities is working against Igbo presidential materials and potentials from Southeast, Nigerians might opt for full compensation for the marginalized Southeast by voting en mass for an Igbo to emerge as president in 2023 as they compensated the Yorubas in 1999.
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“When OPC and NADECO plus Abiola issue brought Chief Olusegun Obasanjo as president, we understood the circumstances that led to Dr Goodluck Jonathan to be Vice President and later president in order to quell the activities of Niger Delta militants, and how Boko Haram insecurity led to the emergency of President Muhammadu Buhari, what’s good for the goose is also good for the gander.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide assures, Nigerians especially Arewa Consultative Forum, Northern Elders Forum, and Coalition of Northern groups, that we are determined to seal our aged longed relationship as old allies and partners since 1960 as we commence our consultation meetings soon.
“Igbo Presidency 2023 with a northerner as Vice President will end up the activities of IPOB. Igbos will present one of the current southeast governors as a worthy successor of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023.
“We hereby passed vote of confidence on the leadership of Southeast Governors’ Forum led by Governor Umahi and assured them that they remained the political leaders of Igbos in this present time. We will do anything to protect them from any harassment or blackmail from any desperate group.”
