The Igbo presidency is long overdue and we should collectively work towards its realization if we truly believe in the acclaimed One Nigeria project which politicians often sing to high heavens whenever it suits them. This has been my argument as far as the discourse as to which part of the country should produce who occupies the Villa come 2023 is concerned.

Historically, the ostracism of the Igbos from the power chess play of the Nigerian state began on what historians called the ‘Igbo coup’. The coup was staged by a group of Army Majors led by Patrick Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu an Igbo who was bred in the north. The coup produced Major Gen. Aguiyi Ironsi as the Head of the Military government. And this peeved the northern military officers on the ground that the coup was targeted only at politicians of northern extraction. So, a retaliatory counter coup was staged by the northern officers in the Nigerian Army which enthroned Gen. Yakubu Gowon as the Head of State.

And thereafter, Civil War broke out spanning between 1967- 1970. We knew the roles played by the major actors during the War. The bloodletting occasioned by these coups and the civil war were barbaric, cruel and gory. However, the pangs caused by these gruesome killings cannot linger forever. We must march on and forgive one another.

It’s unfortunate that after 50 years since the civil war ended, the Igbos are still yet to be fully reunited into the Nigerian political power chess play. Of all the major three tribes in Nigeria, it’s only the Igbo that has not occupied the Villa as president since the return of this political dispensation. The North has had their fair share so also is the Yoruba. So, why not allowing the Igbo to do same? What’s their sin? Who are those behind the anti- Igbo presidency?

I dare say it’s time for the Igbo to produce who occupies the Villa come 2023. That will help to douse tension generated by the Biafiran secessionist tendencies. To this end, Igbo political heavyweights should be ready to sell the idea of the Igbo presidency across the Niger.

Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe must now speak louder. His fearlessness and fecundity is not in doubt. He should channel his fecundity towards the realization of the Igbo Presidency. Hope Uzodimma must also press home the idea of the Igbo presidency to all his associates in the Villa. I am told he enjoys robust intimacy with the nigerian political diadem. Nothing stops Sen. Ike Ekweremadu from swinging into action now. His political weight is equal to the task at hand.

Orji Kalu is doing well. The other day, he was in the hilltop homes of the duo of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida and Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar; with a brief stopover in the government house of Niger state where he also greeted the governor. He has also promised to negotiate for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s return. That’s a good start.

Presumably, his traducers may revisit his case that was quashed on the altar of legal technicalities. Kalu knows his way and therefore, he knows where to seek cover when they come for his head.Peter Obi should take the driver’s seat; and halt the idea of playing second fiddle as he did in the last general election.

There are millions of Igbos who are eminently qualified for the presidency plum job. Prof. Charles Soludo is eminently qualified; he is a world class economist. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is also there. She had once held sway at the World Bank. Governor Dave Umahi is also equally qualified to run for the office of President. So also is William Obiano, Ogbonnaya Onu, the list is endless. Voting for a president of Igbo extraction come 2023 will correct many abnormalities of the Nigerian state. And it’s only in that yours truly will have faith in the acclaimed One Nigeria’ cacophonies.

Musa Isa Nesta, a 300 level Law student at the Ambrose Alli University, writes from Ekpoma, Nigeria.