By Stephen Ejiofo
A coalition, advocating for emergence of a Nigerian President of Igbo extraction in 2023, known as The National Forum for South East Presidency (NFSEP), has urged other geo-political zones to allow the zone to produce next president of Nigeria.
This they said was in order to help erase the memory of the civil war and feeling of marginalisation.
NFSEP, also appealed to all political parties to field Southeasterners as candidates on 2023 presidential poll.
he posited that allowing a southeasterner to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari whose tenure was expected to end in 2023, would whittle the power and existence of secessionist groups in the region.
The President of the coalition, Dr Patrick Enuneku, who disclosed this at the group’s zonal meeting and award presentations held at Enugu.
He pointed out that people of the zone believed strongly in unity and progress of the country and had supported other geopolitical zones to produce president.
According to Enuneku, with the President of Igbo extraction, it would be easier for the country to witness massive socioeconomic development, national integration, overcome insecurity, recession and secessionists agitations other challenges due to the intellectual power peaceful disposition of igbo people.
Earlier, the Zonal Chairman of NFSEP, Hon. Chinedu Chibuzo Ukwu, stressed that the major objective of the meeting was to brainstorm on ways forward for the people of the zone in Nigeria politics.
He said they also wish to honour some illustrious sons and daughters of the zone with awards, for their contributions towards championing the cause of equity, fairness and justice in the Nigerian federation.
“This struggle is to demand that a South Easterner becomes the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces come June 2023 irrespective of party affiliation.
“It is not a greed neither is it asking for the impossible nor selfishness. It is in the spirit of equity, fairness and justice. Going by the history of this country, it is clear and non negotiable that it is the turn of the South Eastern states to become the President,” he added.
Among the awardees were Prof. Peter Umeadi, a presidential aspirant of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA); Rt. Hon. Francis Nwaifuru, the Speaker of Ebonyi state House of Assembly; Senator Joseph Ogba; Lady Juliet Anaeme; Rt. Hon. Enebe Cletus Onyekwelu; and Engr. Albert Agulanna.
Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Prof. Peter Umeadi, represented by Hon. Chinedu Ukachukwu, pledged to continue to contribute for the betterment of humanity.
“Upon receipt of this award my message to the members of the National Forum for South East Presidency (NFSEP) is to stand up and respect the ballots.
“We should raise our voices and call for and support free and fair elections, as the only viable way to sustainable development in a democratic federal republic of Nigeria. Votes cast at elections should be respected, counted and announced as cast.
“The tally from the voting booths should reflect the will of the people as expressed in the ballot boxes across the relevant voting constituencies,” Prof Peter Umeadi maintained.
The group also recognized the APGA presidential aspirant, Professor Peter Umeadi as the Patron of NFSEP for Southeast zone.
