Amid agitation by the South-east for the next president of Nigeria to come from the region, the Obi of Onitsha and Chairman of Anambra State Creation Committee, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, has said the South-east deserves to produce President Goodluck Jonathan’s successor to remedy a growing sense of neglect and deprivation among the people.
Achebe, who spoke in an interview with THISDAY, however, faulted the sectional perception of leadership in the country, saying the focus ought to be the leader’s ability to deliver good governance. But he said the sectionalisation of politics has been reinforced by the country’s pseudo-federal system and its attendant geo-political inequalities.
He said: “The fundamental questions to ask are as follows: is it necessary to have an Igbo president or a president of Northern or other specific extraction to succeed President Jonathan? Is the president of the country one for all of us or just a section of the country? Why should anyone believe that if the president comes from their section of the country, he must take care of the interests of that area ahead of everyone else?
“There is something wrong in our perception of what governance is all about and it is worrying. Nigeria should be looking for a president who is visionary and is a manager of men and resources; one who can lead the country on an even basis; he or she can take the country on an even basis to the level we are seeking; a selfless person.
“There are leaders like that all over the world who have turned their countries around.”
Achebe, however, said, “Igbos feel they must have a turn because they feel totally disenfranchised in the political leadership and governance of the country since independence. Therefore, for equity and sense of belonging, Igbos deserve to produce the next president after Jonathan. But he must be a president who will lead Nigeria equitably with vision and compassion for all Nigerians, irrespective of origin. He should be a selfless leader who will repair the psyche of not only the Igbos but the entire country.”
The traditional ruler said it was for the same reason of disenfranchisement that the South-east was asking for more states.
According to him, “The reason we are asking for more states in the South-east is because of the system of revenue allocation, federal appointments, and citing of federal institutions.
“Everything has been done on a state basis. We have five states in the South-east, whilst other geo-political zones have six states each and the North-west has seven.
“We feel disenfranchised because we have fewer states. So they should give us more states. If we are to go back to true federalism that came before the military, let us do that. There is benefit in regionalism.”
Over the past few years, the question of Igbo presidency and creation of more states in the region that boasts the least number of states among the six geo-political zones has come up strongly in major national dialogue.
As debate as to whether or not Jonathan would seek another term in 2015 nears fever pitch, groups and individuals in the South-east have been trying to arouse public support for the region’s quest to produce the next president.
And creation of additional states in the region has remained a major demand of the South-east in the ongoing constitution amendment process.
The South-east Governors’ Forum, headed by Anambra State governor Peter Obi, and major political stakeholders in the region have, reportedly set up a committee on states creation, headed by Senator Uche Chukwumerije, to lead their bid for additional states as the constitution amendment process gets down to brass tacks.
Achebe said: “When we get our additional states, we can seek internal coordination within the South-east, like the South-west is trying to do to, like South-south is trying to do, like the North is trying to do. That is the justification. Every Anambra person agrees with that line of thought.”
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