Going by the rotation of power among geographical zones of the country everything seems to favour the Igbo nation to produce the next president having been shut out of the show for so long a time.
The Igbo have been crying of marginalization in many areas which includes opportunity to access the presidency.
Under the new dispensation since 1999 several attempts have been made by the ethnic groups to clinch the top position in the country but of all such efforts have yielded no results. The best opportunity seems to be knocking by 2023 where the Igbo nations have been receiving massive support from personalities of other ethnic extraction.
The discordant tunes from the political parties however, appear not to favour ceding the position to one of the largest ethnic group whose contribution to the development of the nation is second to none. It is not in contention that the average Igbo man is a nation builder. Igbo remain the only ethnic group that can be found in all the nooks and crannies of Nigeria where they establish themselves like the indigenes and even much more,
It is on record that the Igbo have no record originating any fight against any ethnic group either within or outside their enclave. Their industry, peaceful disposition, business savvy, educational attainment and other qualities stand them out and endear them to other groups.
The reason the agitation for Biafra has heightened is because of the neglect of Igbo land. While many are agitating for restructuring some sections of the country are agitating for separatist state. The Independent People of Biafra, (IPOB) has remained unrelenting in its agitation for a Biafran State, an agitation that originated before the birth of its current agitators.
Many of them have shunned the fight for Igbo president preferring to have their own country thus dramatizing to what extent they are pained by the issue of marginalization. But even if the entire race were to opt for president of Igbo extraction, the million dollar question is how prepared are they to clinch the position.
The Igbo are mocked as people who cannot come together to speak with one voice by other tribes. This is not without facts as could be glimpsed from internal schisms and unhealthy rivalry which people from the race have exhibited in previous political activities. It would appear that no one is ready to shift ground for another.
Thus Igbo are regarded as enemies of self and some hold the view that only them can stop themselves from winning their ambition. The Igbo are already disadvantaged in some areas such number of states to muster the voting strength. They can only overcome this by extending the olive branch to other ethnic groups. But how ready and disposed are they?
News Echo wishes to observe that as 2023 is fast approaching there is nothing strong to suggest that the Igbo are ready for the race they had longed to win. The discordant tune issuing from the various actors gives the impression that they are not yet ready.
There is the urgent need for the political leaders within the region to forge a common front and cohesive alliances with a view to strengthen their strategies.
Need we remind that other groups are watching to capitalize on the weaknesses of the Igbo to deny them the treasured office? Power is never given but taken.
