BENIN CITY— GOVERNORS Achike Udenwa and Orji Kalu of Imo and Abia States respectively have declared that the agitation for an Igbo president in 2007 remains the only option irrespective of the position of the North, insisting that the Igbo will not succumb to threats and intimidation from any quater.
Chief Udenwa believes the issue of Igbo president remains the only way for Nigerians to show their fairness towards the Igbo. Governor Kalu says the campaign of secession being advocated on behalf of the Igbo is an attempt by the adversaries of the region to incite Nigerians against the Igbo in 2007.
Both Governors Udenwa and Orji Kalu spoke to newsmen at the end of the 8th summit of the 17 governors of the Southern States in Benin City.
According to Chief Udenwa, the issue of Igbo presidency is a non negotiable one that has seen a more unified region fighting towards a common goal, "I still maintain my stand. The south East from all indications deserved the presidency in 2007. You see what we are asking for is fairness and equity. The northerners who are asking and talking have held the position for years. What else do they want, the Igbos have never had it. At least, we are a part of the country. But let me tell you, nothing is stopping us this time around. The Ohaneze is mobilizing. We are more united in this new struggle than before and I can tell those people who are saying that it will be difficult for us to get a consensus candidate when the time come will be disappointed. We are working round the clock for this project and I can tell you nothing will stop us"
Governor Kalu, however, noted with concern the rising campaign of calumny being propagated against the Igbos in view of their strong position on 2007 presidency saying that "those who are insinuating that the Igbos will secede if given presidency are making a big mistake and are not sincere in their campaign. The Igbos owns properties everywhere in Kaduna, Sokoto and Kano. They are everywhere in this country and abroad. They cannot afford to loose this properties. Let me tell you, the Igbos are more nationalistic more than any other ethnic group in the country. So why talk about secession. What we are saying is that we don’t want anything other than the presidency. My friends, the Northern governors should understand this."
