2023: ‘It’s presidency or nothing’ – Igbos reject VP slot

 

As Nigeria approaches the 2023 general elections, there are signs that the Igbos may refuse to accept the vice-presidency.

The Southeast’s push for a Nigerian president of Igbo descent has gained traction.

On several occasions, prominent leaders and pressure groups from the southeast have urged Nigerians to allow the Igbo speaking tribe to produce the country’s next president.

Remember that Chuks Ibegbu, a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, urged potential presidential candidates from the North to back the Igbos in their quest to produce a Nigerian president in 2023.

Ibegbu said the likes of Atiku Abubakar, Aminu Tambuwal, Yahaya Bello, Bala Mohammed, Bukola Saraki should shelve their presidential aspirations and support the Igbos.

While clamouring for a Nigerian president of Igbo extraction, first Republic Aviation Minister, Chief Mbazulike Amaechi, had warned that Nigeria may disintegrate if the North retains the Presidency.

Amaechi warned that Nigeria may explode if the two leading political parties decide to field candidates from the north.

However, speaking to newsmen on this issue, Ibegbu said the Igbos are insisting on the presidency and not ready to take the vice-presidential slot.

Ibegbu insisted that it’s either the presidency or nothing for the Igbos in 2023.

He said: “No way, it’s presidency or nothing. We are not second class citizens in Nigeria and will never be. We would rather we watch Nigeria unfold an unjust political higgery pokkery than accept vice president. Are we only good for VP or what?

“What is wrong if we become president? Look, if nobody in Igbo land is ready to battle for president till the end, I chuks Ibegbu will come out and I will win. After all, I am better than most people that have been at Aso Rock since 1999.”

On his part, Dimm Uche Okwukwu, the Deputy President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, said Igbos will not be happy if the slot of the Vice President is zoned to them.

Speaking with newsmen, Okwukwu said: “If you want the presidency, you must prepare for it, be diplomatic and negotiate for it. I support a Nigerian President of Igbo extraction, it can come from any part of Igbo land.

“They would be happier and feel more dignified if they are allowed to produce the president instead of the vice president.

“You will agree with me that they produced the vice president in the person of Alex Ekwueme in 1979, which is 43 years ago, so why would they be going to the same class they have already passed? I think it’s not dignifying.

The Igbos will be sad, they will not be happy.”