By Adadareporters
Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s Council of Elders, Sunday, called for enshrining of rotational presidency among Nigeria’s six geo-political zones in the constitution for equity, justice and fairness.
The elders stated this after their meeting in Abuja. Their chairman, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, said restricting the rotation between the North and the South was vague.
He said South-East leaders tried their best to convince the South-West and South-South leaders to cede the presidency to the South East.
According to him, Middle-Belt leaders were of the opinion that it was the turn of the South East.
He regretted that the elders’ resolution to zone the presidency to the South East was truncated by the political class.
He said, “The political class, unfortunately, took another decision which made us feel terribly betrayed, not by the elders, but by the political class. This is because we are sure that the elders in the whole South and Middle Belt supported Igbo presidency in 2023.
“So it is our strong view that issues of zoning the presidency should be put in the constitution, and it should be rotated among the country’s six geo-political zones. The question of rotating the presidency between North and South is very vague, after all, the federal character is very glaring.”
He said the elders were disappointed that the two major political parties failed to narrow their presidential tickets to South East.
Quoting him, “We are not going to abandon Nigeria. We are the biggest investors in any part of the country. We are not going to withdraw our participation in any political activities.
“We will fully participate in all political activities ahead of 2023 general elections, but we are going to watch and probably make a statement later. But let it be known to Nigerians that the Igbo are going to fully participate in the 2023 general elections.
“The Council of Elders, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, is worried that some people make reckless statements on behalf of Ohanaeze. Nigerians should ignore such persons.
“The only persons authorised to make statements on behalf of Ohanaeze are Professor George Obiozor and Ambassador Okey Emuchay.”
