By Odimegwu Onwumere
With the movement by Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, the former governor of Abia State, for sincerity in the political equation in Nigeria, calls for fête. Popularly called OUK (being the initials of his names) Kalu’s crusade through his non partisan-political movement – Njiko Igbo – is intact that Ndigbo should produce the next president of Nigeria in the 2015 elections.
Recently, in an event at the North Carolina chapter of the Jewish National Association, Kalu received a high rending ovation and the support of all that matter at the event. This is not even the cordial and strengthened relationships he has brought to Nigeria through his intercontinental voyages.
It is pertinent that in the current political development in Nigeria where the apt to filch is becoming a culture, Ndigbo should come together as one to help them identify the numerous challenges that are facing them with the rest ethnic or geographical groupings in Nigeria. This is an extension of the invite by Kalu, which many people have identified with him through the Njiko Igbo.
Notwithstanding, some persons due to their personal enrichment might say that Ndigbo are not marginalized in the national management positions, but the glaring truth is that the 2015 elections would buttress how true they are. To Kalu, the actualisation of the Nigerian president of Igbo drawing-out in 2015 is a test-tube to Nigeria, whether she really meant her position that she operates in accordance with the yernings of all the ethnicities in the country, but most especially, the Igbo.
The way and vibrancy the Njiko Igbo is operating, Kalu is making it a unique podium for the unity of Ndigbo, a sought of reconciliation dais for the widespread good of the Igbo. It won’t be good that always, the Igbo voice is heard, while there is no authentic action backing the voice. Kalu had affirmed this in a forum through the acting secretary of the Njiko Igbo that the Igbo need harmonisation that include harnessing the miscellaneous interests in the South East zone of Nigeria.
This is why all and sundry have got to join in this crusade. No one tells his or her enemy his or her mistake while standing aloof. It is time to promote a universal South East. Kalu believes that if the Igbo have one and solid voice on any national issues, the political participation to actualise the 2015 Igbo presidential dream would not shrug.
Although, Kalu is one man that can never be discouraged by any perceived enemy’s action. But if certain Ndigbo from a quarter should continue to trade blames with their discouraging antics, it might be very hard for the Igbo to be president of this country. Kalu has come out to help systematize encouraging means for the people of the eastern Nigeria to take pleasure in the contribution of Nigeria’s presidency. He believes that this would bring about justice and equity in the governance of the country.
If there is anybody who is financially stable, that person should be Kalu. But while a few people who feel that they are okay through what they get from Abuja hence do not show any remorse whether the Igbo are president of the country or not, Kalu has left the comfort of his zone to crusade that Ndigbo should stop doping in Nigeria, whereas many of the people they started far ahead of, are today very alert and agile in Nigeria.
It is time to manage the growth of Ndigbo in Nigeria. OUK is on the right track and should be supported on this issue of national interest. Kalu has shown interest of bringing the Igbo glory back. He is right now the first to make this clarion call for the Igbo to actualise presidency in 2015 since President Goodluck Jonathan came to power and others started circling around him for the crumbs from his office.
It is right that while few people are acting the political clown, Kalu ignores their act in this movement to unite the Igbo. The Igbo cannot continue with this divisiveness and disingenuous traits. Every Igbo should settle for this! It is the very best way to achieve freedom. No Igbo should hang on to hopelessness the few people are giving Ndigbo to wait after 2015. Ndigbo must not let anyone deceive them that there is hope for them to actualise the presidency of Nigeria after 2015. Ndigbo have to make strong one political spirit and in political participations. Ndigbo should know that OUK is not confused; he knows the present power realities that those in Aso Rock may be playing against the Igbo. This is why he has been shouting for the Igbo to unite and fight the political battle that is ahead through the non-partisan political movement called Njiko Igbo.
Odimegwu Onwumere wrote this piece from Aba, Abia State. apoet_25@yahoo.com
