The late Biafran warlord and distinguished Igbo leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu – Ojukwu was an unrepentant crusader for the realization of the dream for an Igbo president. He contested as presidential candidate of APGA but he lost due largely to the fact that his party which then had only two governors – Mr. Peter Obi of Anambra State and Owelle Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, seriously lacked the much-required nationwide coverage and followership to win elections.
However, in spite of his woeful defeat during the presidential poll, he remained undaunted as he did not relent in his advocacy for the South-East to produce the president. But while pursuing this goal, he also provided leadership for the continuing success and survival of APGA in Anambra and Imo.
This is especially judging by the fact that if the Igbo could not get the much-desired presidency, they could still boast of having Anambra and Imo. It is noteworthy that Odumegwu-Ojukwu played a prominent role in the election of Obi as governor.
He appealed passionately to the electorate that the debt they owed him was for them to vote massively for Obi. And due to the respect they had for their illustrious leader, the voters gave Obi enough votes that enabled him win the keenly contested election. When Odumegwu-Ojukwu was still alive, APGA was the party to beat in Anambra and Imo while the demand for the South-East zone to produce the president was intensified.
It is however amazing that since his demise, Igbo leaders are now silent over the all-important issue, especially judging by the fact that some of them have been compensated with juicy political appointments and other irresistible mouth-watering packages by the president. In spite of the fact that Obi and President Goodluck Jonathan belong to different political parties, the absurd political romance between them continues to give rightthinking Igbo with discerning minds cause for concern.
This is why many wonder if Obi of APGA could have maintained such dangerously close relationship with the President who is the national leader of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) if Odumegwu-Ojukwu was alive. When Odumegwu-Ojukwu was alive, Obi was one of the prominent Igbo who demanded it was time for the South- East zone to produce the president.
But now that their leader is gone, his followers, including Obi, are singing another tune. This is unfortunate!. There is no doubt that Odumegwu-Ojukwu will be angry in his grave if he learns that those he left behind to continue from where he stopped have abandoned the crusade for Igbo president for their selfish interests.
He will certainly feel disturbed and disappointed to learn that his beloved party which he worked very hard to establish has since lost Imo State to All Progressives Congress (APC). If the last gubernatorial poll had been free and fair, the party would probably have also lost Anambra to either PDP or APC. It will shock him if he knows that Owelle Rochas Okorocha who is the Governor of Imo State is now Chairman of APC Governors’ Forum.
It will be most devastating for him to learn that his fragile party is currently in disarray with Chief Victor Umeh and Chief Maxi Okwu fighting shamelessly over the national chairmanship thereby bringing the name of the party into disrepute. And if Obi, who was recently made the party’s Grand Patron following completion of his two terms as Governor of Anambra State, is finally appointed Minister by the president as being widely rumoured, the loud agitations for Igbo president are steadily waning. If Obi becomes minister under the current administration of President Jonathan, he has no moral right to join others in demanding for Igbo president in 2015.
It would be recalled that even when he was governor, he mobilized his people to vote for Jonathan in 2011. Incidentally, when Jonathan went to Igboland for his 2011 presidential campaign and the Igbo implored him to assure them of his support for Igbo president in 2015, he cleverly provided them a diplomatic response in order to avoid the delicate question.
Chief Olusegun Obasanjo from the South-West served as president between May 29, 1999-May 29, 2007. The late President Umaru MusaYar’Adua from the North, served as president from May 29, 2007-May 5, 2010 when he died.
Following his sudden exit, due to ill-health, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, from the South-South has been serving as president. His first term of four years which commenced on May 29, 2011 ends on May 29, 2015.
If he seeks re-election and wins, his second term will end on May 29, 2019. If the APC fields a candidate from the North in 2015 and he wins, it means the presidency is returning to the North again in order to placate the Northerners who felt aggrieved that another Northerner was not allowed to step into the shoes of Yar’Adua when he died.
But in line with what the Constitution stipulates, it was proper for the then Vice-President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, to step in as president.
To be continued
• Ajayi is a journalist and public affairs analyst. 08033068898 (sms only)
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