Igbos are not ready to produce Nigeria’s next president – Arthur Nzeribe

Less than two years to the 2015 general elections, frontline politician and Southeast leader, Senator Arthur Nzeribe, Wednesday called on his Igbo brethren to bury the idea of producing Nigeria’s next president. His argument was anchored on the ground that it would be difficult for the region to produce a president due to lack of political cohesion. Nzeribe, while speaking with newsmen in Abuja, yesterday, observed that the Igbos are not just ready to spearhead the affairs of Nigeria. The respected elder statesman called on the people of the Southeast geo-political zone to put their house in order, before seeking for the number one position. He maintained that previous unsuccessful attempts by the region to produce a president was what gave him the impression that the next efforts would be an attempt of the venom on the rock. He voiced his conviction thus, “Until we start speaking with one voice, we cannot get the Presidency. We should not try it now. We are not just ready for anything like that, we must get our acts right.” On the presidential primaries of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the erstwhile Senator of the Federal Republic hinted that those saying that President Jonathan must not go through the rigorous process of primaries before emerging as the Presidential flag bearer were only raising their personal opinion on the matter. He added that, President Jonathan must present himself with others at the party’s presidential primaries. His words, “It is the personal opinion of those who said President Jonathan must not go through primary election. He must present himself for that. I can bet that President Goodluck Jonathan will win at the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, primaries”. Speaking on the current crisis rocking the acclaimed largest party in Africa, the Orlu, Imo State born politician averred that for the turbulent party to get it right, the National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, members of the National Working Committee, NWC must be fired, stressing that, “the PDP must clear the desk, including Bamanga Tukur, to get it right.” Nzeribe however, warned that politicians must consign their selfish interest in their handbags to salvage the country ahead of the 2015 general elections, noting that Nigeria was bigger than anybody, irrespective of status or rank. The former Senator, however, urged all those who left the party to return and embrace the on-going reconciliatory moves, with a view to repositioning the party.

Senator Nzeribe called on President Jonathan to help in the development of the Eastern part of Nigeria, as he had not really impacted much on the people of the zone, stating that the people wanted good roads, especially the construction of a second Niger Bridge, among other things.