Nonagenarian first Nigerian Aviation Minister Mbazulike Amaechi has advised Ohanaeze Ndigbo to seek the support of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, an All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Northern leaders for the Southeast to produce Nigeria’s next President in 2023.
He also challenged the apex-Igbo socio-cultural body to engage organisations like Afenifere in the Southwest, the Northern Elders Forum and other groups to make the Southeast’s quest for the Presidency a reality.
Amaechi gave the advice when Ohanaeze leadership led by its President, Prof. George Obiozor, and a front line politician, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, visited him in his country home, Ukpo, Anambra State.
The Ohanaeze leadership went to Ukpo in Nnewi South Local Government Area to solicit for more support to achieve its four-year plan for the Igbo as it concerns 2023
He said: “You cannot get the Igbo Presidency alone. During our time, we worked with other ethnic nationalities to get what we wanted
“Speak with leaders from other zones, like the former president, Chief Obasanjo, Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and groups like Afenifere in the Southwest. Do the same thing in the Northern part of the country.
“There must be unity in our land. That oneness must continue. Every section is important if we want to get the Presidency in 2023
“The agitations by some groups are as a result of the way Ndigbo are being treated in Nigeria but once that marginalisation is settled, all those problems will end.”
Amaechi, who is 92 years old, said an Igbo man with all-round experience would save the country from corruption and disunity.
He also insisted that nothing was non-negotiable, including the unity of Nigeria, especially if such (negotiation) would bring about equity and also quell agitations by some sections of the country.
Obiozor had told the former minister that he would do his best to serve and safeguard the interest of the Igbo nation and humanity.
“I have the capacity and contact to lead Ohanaeze a former Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, the state of Israel and Republic of Cyprus. I have also held positions of responsibilities like, Director-General, Nigerian Institute of international Affairs (NIIA).”
He informed the gathering that Ohanaeze under his leadership had no faction and commended the Southeast governors for paving the way for him to become the leader of the group.
Obiozor promised to continue with the good works of his predecessor, Chief John Nwodo.
The Vice-President, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene and the Anambra State President General, Prince Emeka Udodeme, assured Obiozor of their support.
They noted that the threat to the Igbo required a mature and experienced person with a capacity to build enough consensus.
