A group of eminent Igbos in Abuja under the aegis of Igbo Elders Forum, under the leadership of Elderstatesman, Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife, have adduced real reasons why contenders for president in 2023 from South east geo-political zone must not settle for running mate or vice president slot. The elders said there would be no half measure, warning aspirants for the president to desist from eying vice president position or playing second fiddle in the race for presidency in 2023.

“It is either we are allowed to produce the president ofthis country in 2023 to change the appalling narrative of continued decay, poverty,insecurity, poor governance, corruption and maladministration in Nigeria or out of it.The Elders said.
“No half measure”. They added.

They warned those they described as boot leakers lobbying for any position less than Presidentto perish the thoughts, stating vehemently: “We are very serious about this directive, anddo not mean those unserious booth leakers, who are angling to be running mates tocandidates from other parts of the country, as the Igbo s will not take it lightly withany of our sons or daughters who accept to b e running mates to any person outsidethe South East zone in 2023”.

Insisting on Nigerian president of South East extraction in 2023, the Igbo Elderssaid their position is based on apopular demand for the 2023 Presidency of Nigeria to be zoned to thesouthern part of the country, preferably the South East zone, not just for the sake ofequity, justice and fairness, but also for a change of narrative of our beleagueredsleeping giant of Africa.

They went on to say: “Emboldened by the increasing demand and support by credible and patrioticNigerians for pow er to shift to the South in 20 23, the Igbo Elders Forum herebyencourages visionary, credible and creative presidential materials of South East zoneto declare their intension for Presidency and pursue it with every sense ofseriousness, vigour and commitment”.

Continuing, they saidthe expanding clarion calls that all political parties should zone presidency to the SouthEastisin order to give the people of the area a sense of belonging.

“as w ell as reverse allthe premeditated government policies and actions that are capable o f pushing out theIgbos out of Nigeria”.They added.
The Igbo Elders express gratitude to Nigerians for joining the growing clarion calls zoning the presidency to the South East in 2023. They welcomed and thanked in particular,Elderstatesmanand leader of Pan Niger Delta Forum , PANDEF, Chief Edwin Clark, leader ofAfenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, leader of Middle Belt Forum , Dr Butrus Porgu, SouthernGovernors Forum , Arewa Youth Federation, Yoruba Youths, Northern Youth Coalition,among others.
Also, theycommendedThe Southern Governors Forumfor itsconsistentindemandingthat the2023 Presidency,be zoned to the South East, sayingisthe popular will of a majority of Nigerians.

“These distinguished Nigerians and associations have not only spoken the truth, but
also demonstrated high level of integrity, courage, credibility and patriotism”. They said.

Adding that these individuals and groups are great patriots and lovers of democracy.

But the Igbo elders took a swipe on the Northern Elders Forum for thinking otherwise.

“we condemn in strong terms the media reports that the
Northern Elders Forum thinks otherwise, as it canvasses, unjustifiably, that theposition be thrown open to the whole country”.The Igbo elders stated.