SOUTH-EAST PRESIDENCY, A MATTER OF EQUITY, FAIRNESS – POLITICAL ANALYST
REPORTER: ALFRED AJAYI
A political affairs analyst, Chief Chidozie Ezeugwa, has described the clamour from the South-East Zone to produce the next President of the country as a justifiable request that will help to strengthen the unity of the country.
In a telephone interview with Radio Nigeria, Chief Ezeugwa maintained that the people of the South East Zone are not asking for too much other than equity, fairness and sense of belonging.
He expressed displeasure over what he termed “the discordant tunes” by some people from other zones of the country, which according to him, amounts to flagrant breach of the agreement reached years ago on peaceful rotation of power between the North and the South.
Chief Ezeugwa explained: “It was agreed that power would always rotate within the six geo-political zones. This decision was taken during the 1994 constitutional conference after a motion moved by Dr. Alex Ekwueme, to enable every zone and ethnic nationality to be included in the governance of Nigeria.
“Then, it was also agreed by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) that the power must rotate between the North and the South. And they went even further to enshrine it in their constitution.
“And when power comes to either South or North, they will further micro-zone it to the zones that have not had the taste of governance.”
According to the political affairs commentator, Nigeria is at a critical moment, which will largely determine its fate beyond 2023.
While calling on other Nigerians to allow Igbos to have a shot at the presidency, Chief Ezeugwa appealed to people of Igbo extraction to remain resolute and united as they push on with their genuine and harmless request.
“As it is now, President Buhari is from the North. It is very unreasonable for a northerner to hand over to another northerner. For the purpose of inclusiveness in the political space, this gentleman arrangement must be obeyed.
“If they insist, the people from the South-East will look at it that they have succeeded in pushing them out of Nigeria. Agitation will continue.
“Unity and peace will be further threatened. A nation in dire need of peace and progress will always uphold equity and fairness,” Chief Ezeugwa remarked.
He however appreciated the courageous personalities from the South West, Middle Belt and South-South, who had thrown their weight behind zoning the plum position to the South-East Region.
The political analyst pointed out that no nation could survive without peace, equity, justice and fair play.
