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Igbos Vow To Rule Nigeria In 2007
From Gordi Udeajah-Umuahia
IGBO politicians, under the aegis of South East caucus, rose from its eleventh meeting in Umuahia, Abia State capital, at the weekend, with a call on Nigerians to support the emergence of a Nigerian President from the eastern part of the country in 2007.
The meeting, which was chaired by Senator Uche Chukwumerije (Abia North), was attended by Governors Achike Udenwa of Imo State, Sam Egwu of Ebonyi State, and Ugochukwu Nwankwo, the deputy governor of Anambra. Governor Chimaraoke Nnamani neither attended nor sent a representative.
Host governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, told the meeting held at the Aguiyi-Ironsi International Conference Centre that, "we have come here with a burning desire and a strong commitment to chart a new course for the survival of our people in a multi-ethnic nation as ours."
A four point communiquZ
The meeting resolved that a more equitable formula, which would enhance even development in all the geopolitical zones of the country, be found. It advocated constitutional review as a way of correcting the problems created by the constitution.
In his opening address, titled, "History, will judge us," Kalu decried a situation where the Igbo still carry the stigma of the civil war, 34 years after the war ended.
"It is high time the Igbo took their destiny in their hands and face squarely the task of re-integrating fully into Nigeria's political system," he said, adding that Ndigbo remains the only ethnic group yet to rule Nigeria for more than six months.
By 2007, he said, the South West would have ruled Nigeria for 121/2 years, the North for over 34 years, while the late Zik was only a ceremonial president.
He, however, noted that Igbo cannot produce the president if there is no unity, determination and consultation
Egwu, who is chairman of South East Governor's Conference, said the challenge before the governors was to produce the next president and that the meeting's attendants showed that the agenda were on course.
Udenwa said posterity would not forgive the leadership of the zone unless they fashion out how to attain Igbo political leadership.
Other politicians in attendance were Senate President, Adolphus Wabara; his predecessors in office, Anyim Pius Anyim and Evans Enwerem, Senators Arthur Nzeribe, Chris Adighije, Chief Ojo Maduekwe and Uche Maduako.
Others include former Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme; Mrs Nkechi Nwaogu of the House of representatives; Chief Arthur Mbanefo, Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly; Stanley Ohajuruka and Chief Onyema Ugochukwu.
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