* Seeks support of other regions
Ohanaeze Ndigbo has set aside N10billion as support fund for the actualisation of Igbo presidency in 2023.
Added to that, it has started negotiations with other regional leaders and stakeholders for support.
Leading a delegation, Secretary General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, met with the National President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), Yerima Shettima, in Kaduna on Monday.
In an apparent move to solicit support for an Igbo president, Isiguzoro said Igbos believe in dialogue and negotiation to produce the President of South-eastern extraction.
He noted that Igbos in the Diaspora have set aside a N10 billion fund to support any candidate of Igbo extraction in the 2023 presidential race.
Isiguzoro remarked that the Igbo delegation met with some rclerics in the North over the presidency project.
He said the Igbo delegation for 2023 presidency would continue to engage other regions of the country to support power shift to the South-east region.
He also said that Igbo nation, including their kinsmen in Rivers and Delta states have abundant human resources that can produce the best for the presidency.
“We are here to ask you to support an Igbo man for the presidency. There should be no more abusive words between North and South-east as we used to read on pages of newspapers.
“What happened to the cordial relationship between Zik (Nnamdi Azikiwe) and Tafa Balewa? What happened to the good relationship between North and South-east? We must bring back the good memories of old days for the unity and development of Nigeria.
“Igbos have one trillion naira investments in the North. We are for a united Nigeria. We need somebody that is of age, that can unite Nigeria. We believe in one Nigeria. We have abundant human resources that can succeed Buhari.
“We have people who are committed to serve Nigeria. We have seven states including Rivers and Delta states where we have Igbo speaking brothers…”
Responding, Shetima told the Ohanaeze delegation that it is good to negotiate when seeking power, adding that nobody achieves a good thing through threats and intimidation.
“I have always believed in pan-Nigeria. I believe in the unity of one Nigeria. I have been part of many struggles. I am not happy that Nigeria is where it is.
“People who don’t have an idea of history of Nigeria resorted to abusive words and threat. They resort to champion the cause of Biafra. Gone are those days you use threat to look for power.
“It is a welcome development that you are here to discuss the 2023 general election. Politics is about negotiation. You need to rise above board. Nobody will trust power to you if you resort to threat.
“However, democratically I don’t understand what zoning means. I believe that you should bring out your candidate and we will bring out our own, and by the time we meet at the contest, whoever wins, should carry the day. Nevertheless, we will go back to our elders and report to them about your visit and mission.”