Coordinator of Njiko Igbo and former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu, has described the Peoples Democratic Party as the pathway for an Igbo man or woman to clinch the position of Nigeria’s president in 2015.
Kalu said this on March 17, 2013 when he addressed a gathering of selected Nigerians in Dakar, Senegal.
He noted that despite the sacrifices and contributions of the South East to the Nigerian nation, Ndigbo have been marginalized over the years with respect to the presidency.
He stated that the call for Igbo presidency was long overdue considering the number of years other regions have ruled Nigeria.
He said: “The North has ruled for 35 years, South West for about 12 years, South South is ruling at present and the South East, zero year.”
Kalu stated further that Ndigbo have the capacity to provide pragmatic solutions to the challenges facing the country.
He solicited the support of other regions for the achievement of the Igbo presidency in 2015.
He also reaffirmed the determination and commitment of the PDP to take Nigeria to greater heights as evident in the manifesto of the party.
He described the PDP as the only party with Nigeria’s interest at heart, viv-a-vis the implementation of policies that have favourably shaped the nation’s economy.
He reflected on the internal differences within the party, which he described as normal and unavoidable for a big family like PDP.
He said: “As members of the largest party in Africa, we are bound to disagree to agree, which is good for democracy.
“I can assure you that the differences have made the party stronger because when you fight you make up to become best of friends.”
Kalu noted that his differences with his successor as governor in Abia State, Chief T.A. Orji, was not a big deal to him but he knows it will come to an end someday with the dynamic leadership of Alhaji Bamangar Tukur as the national chairman of the PDP.
He said he was aware Tukur had initiated a commendable reconciliatory tour of the geopolitical regions to consult and settle differences amongst party stalwarts.
In his remarks, the leader of the delegation, Dr. Osita Okereke, commended Dr. Kalu, whom he described as a bold, selfless and patriotic son of Igboland for the advocating for Igbo presidency.
Okereke also commended Kalu for his return to the PDP.
He said: “We all know that PDP is big umbrella that can meet the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians.”
He noted that Dr. Kalu symbolizes a new hope for Nigeria, owing to his selfless antecedents as the president of the Students Union Government of the University of Maiduguri, contributions as member of the House of Representatives and his giant strides as governor of Abia state.
Okereke called on all Igbos worldwide to rally their support for the Igbo presidency in 2015 for the sake of Nigeria.
He also informed the gathering that plans were underway for the official inauguration of the executive and membership of Njiko Igbo, Senegal billed to hold later this year.
