SAN FRANCISCO, June 18, (THEWILL) – Coming on the heels of the declaration by the Ohanaeze Youth Council, OYC, that there was no going back on Igbo presidency in 2019, three Igbo groups have shortlisted the names of prominent politicians from the ethnic stock to stand for election as Nigeria’s President in 2019.
THEWILL recalls that the Ohanaeze youths had declared should the South-East not realise a president of Igbo extraction come 2019, it would see to the actualisation of Biafra in 2020.
As if taking a cue from this standpoint, the World Igbo Youth Congress, WIYC, Igbo Students’ Association, ISA, and South-East Women Professionals, SWP, at the weekend shortlisted the following politicians as those to run for the nation’s top job in 2019. They include: the Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu, former Anambra governor, Peter Obi, Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha, former Abia governor, Orji Uzor Kalu.
Others are the immediate past first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, Air Comodore Ebitu Ukiwe, (retd.), Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (retd.), Oby Ezekwesili, Prof. Pat Utomi, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim and Senator Hope Uzodinma.
Rising from a meeting, the groups issued a communique which was signed by Francis Njoku and Glory Izuora, president and secretary, respectively, for ISA, and Dr. Mrs. Nkem Nwuzor and Dr. Mrs. Helen Dike-Orji for SWP.
The Deputy President General of WIYC, worldwide, Dr Francis Ugwu, read out the communique thus: “It is common knowledge that Igbo are grossly marginalised in every sphere of the nation, the position of the presidency inclusive.
“These cries of marginalisation have consistently fuelled Biafra agitation and the only way to end these agitations is to demonstrate, not just in words, but in practical terms, that Igbo are part owners of the Nigeria project. So, having examined these issues, we, hereby, align ourselves with the position of Ohanaeze Youth Council, Worldwide, as we kick-off an aggressive campaign for Igbo presidency.
“The following names have been shortlisted as possible presidential candidates of Igbo extraction: the Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu, former Anambra Governor, Peter Obi, Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, former Abia Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, immediate past first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, Air Comodore Ebitu Ukiwe, (retd.), Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (retd.), Oby Ezekwesili, Prof. Pat Utomi, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim and Senator Hope Uzodinma, among others. These and many more will pass through screening by the Igbo Presidency Project Committee.
“We assure them that efforts are on top gear and funds will be mobilised across the world for their campaign.”
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