Emma Elekwa
Vice Chancellor, Imo state University, Owerri, Prof. Uchefula Chukwumaeze has expressed concerns over inability of people of Southeastern Nigeria to taste the presidency over the years despite their innate potentials.
He blamed the sorry situation on fears from other parts of the country of possibility of the Southern region to sever from the country if given the opportunity.
Speaking on Tuesday during the 12th Chief Dr. Chidozie Ogbalu Memorial Lecture of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra state, Chukwumaeze alleged that the design was to ensure Igbo man is excluded from the presidency.
He however said the solution was for Ndigbo to convince the Nigerian populace of their resolution not just to be part of the country, but willing to work for its betterment.
He said, “They want us to be part of Nigeria but they don’t want us to smell power. They thought we have an insatiable desire to run away from Nigeria.
“All we need do is to assure them that we’ve accepted to live in Nigeria. After all, they know that civil war has ended and we’ve been reintegrated into Nigeria.
“They should allow us a taste of the presidency and we’re promising them that we’ll work for the betterment of the country and we won’t run away.
“I advise our Igbo brothers to put on those behaviors that will enable our brothers from other regions and tribes to know that we’ve accepted to be part and parcel of Nigeria.
“If we don’t do that, they’ll never have confidence in allowing us into the core ultimate leadership of the country. The design is to ensure the Igbo man is excluded from the presidency.”
Ohanaeze Ndigbo speaks
Also speaking, President General, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Sen John Azuta-Mbata, stressed the need for Ndigbo to reach out to other tribes if they must get into serious national politics.
John Azuta-Mbata, represented by Prof Ngozi Chukwukere also called on Igbo people to come together and love themselves.
“It’s important for Ndigbo to reach out to other tribes. If we must get into serious national politics, we can’t stay alone. Remember, power is rotatory.
“You don’t wait for it to come to you, you go for it. Hence the need for diplomacy and strategizing. If we don’t get it this time, we’ll still get it next time,” he added.
Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie described the Lecture Series titled “The Place of the Igbo Race in Nigeria.” as apt and timely, just as he commended the Igbo department for keeping the memorial lecture alive.
Anyaehie, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Admin, Prof Hilda Osisioma also thanked the Ogbalu family and others who made the event a reality through their support, expressing optimism of fruitful outcome.
Earlier, Chairperson of the Organising Committee, Prof. Nkoli Nnyigide said the lecture would provide platform for intellectual discourse on the place and contributions of the Igbo race within the Nigerian federation.
Highlights of the event was award presentation to dignitaries including Mr Peter Obi, Ohaneze Ndigbo PG Sen John Azuta-Mbata, Traditional Ruler of Nibo Igwe M.C Ngene, Ex-UNIZIK VC, Prof Ilochi Okafor, IMSU VC, Prof. Uchefula Chukwumaeze, Chief Ikenna Okafor, Dr Chinedum Oformata, among others.
