The state of affair in our contemporary political society is rapidly going into turbulent conditions. No doubt there are certainly many factors (both underlying and peripheral) that contribute or cause this situational turmoil, but shall we fold our hands and watch things fall apart? The Nigerian society for many years has been suffering from so many socio-political and economic crises ranging from insurgency, militancy and quest for regional independency. Could it be that all these are caused by incapability of the leaders? Could it be that those piloting the affairs of this country are clueless and deficient in leadership skill? If that is the case, what can be done to take the nation to a better place? On a time like this the main discussion should be how to make the society conducive and livable, and also make the life of the citizens better. The political struggle and squabble for power will never help the issue at hand, instead the ugly situation and state of social unrest will continue to thrive.
Amidst these all, there is still a clamor for Igbo presidency. This in turn has caused its own division and agitation. Some people are saying that the solution to this country is making the Igbo man the president of the country. Would this be a favourable approach to the undesired conditions we are experiencing in our country? Or is it also one of the empty political propagandas?
Presidency and Nigeria
The Nigerian nation has experienced the rule of various Head of States and presidents since she got her independence in 1960. And these individuals have giving their own imprint over the years. We have various opinions concerning the performance of these leaders. But the most prominent of them all is the view that Nigeria has not been blessed with a good president. This view shows the caliber of people we have been trusting with the affairs of this nation. No wonder, not too many positive growths are going on at this part of the world. Giving concern to this, some minds have suggested that making an Igbo man the president of Nigeria will be of immense value to the national welfare.
Nigeria with an Igbo president
What would Nigeria with an Igbo President look like? This question is so fundamental and at the same time dicey. Hence, it requires a critical approach. History has shown that, from the independent of this nation till date an Igbo man has not sat on the seat of the president of this country. This has formed so many thoughts in the mind of the people. Some have concluded that it is a planned deal that never will they allow an Igbo man to rule the country. If this is actually true, what might be the reason of such unjust conspiracy since we are all “one Nigeria”? Anyway, that is not the reason for this write up. Our main aim is to know how efficient will an Igbo man be as a president in this country. It is vital to know that, it is not enough to sit down and envisage how wonderful an Igbo president would perform. There is an adage that says that it is through how one manages the little thing one is having is how we will know how he/she will manage the big one. The question here is, how efficient are the Igbo governors in their various States? We also have many senators representing the various senatorial districts, how are they carrying on their assignments? (how responsible are they in discharging their lawful duties?) We all know the situational affairs in the South-Eastern States. We know how “wonderful” our roads are, how “serious” our government-owned educational institutions are been taking, and how “honest” the South-Eastern leaders are to those there are ruling.
Meanwhile, there are so many arguments that follow this issue of Igbo presidency. For the people that would not support the idea, some states that an Igbo man cannot be trusted because of the reason best known to them. Others said that there are still grudges against the Igbos due to the military coupe and crisis in the past that led to the 1967 Civil War which is popularly called “The Biafran War”. Still, those that support the idea are of the view that the best hand to handle Nigeria situation is an Igbo man. For them, with the creativity and industrious nature possessed by an Igbo man, he can transform Nigeria and develop it to compete with the developed nations in the world. Albeit, without the refutation of the ingenuity embedded inside the Igbo man, how sure or true could be the assertion that the solution to the menace in this country is an Igbo president? With this Igbo president will there be a just Nigeria (egalitarian Nigeria society) or a Nigeria of mediocrity? Is it enough to say that the Igbos can reshape the economy of this nation because of their heavy influence in the world of commerce? The truth is that no one can tell for certain what will really be the case if such happens. But the reality still remains that, those governing the Eastern States are no other people than the Igbos. Have they transformed the East to Dubai of Africa? How many roads are in good shape in this area? What state in the East can boast of well-equipped government hospitals or school or even secured society?
Which Way Forward?
There is no doubt that, to have a just society there is need for equity and fair judgment, and there should not be a room or a platform where some group of people will be marginalized or restricted from certain positions. Every citizen should be given equal opportunity. On this ground, it should be known that wearing the cap of leadership should not be based on ethnicity or tribe but on the quality of individual. In as much as some qualities may be more dominant to some group of people, the quality to lead effectively is usually developed on a personal base. By this I mean that our society should be a just society where brotherhood instead of tribalism rules. An Igbo man that has a leadership quality should be given support to rule as well as an Efik man or Yoruba man with leadership quality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our main concern should be to have a just country, a country where peace and unity will abound; a country where the natural resources will be justly share. What we need is someone with a good vision for the country and not necessary an Igbo president per say. But if what we are looking for could be found in an Igbo president, what are we still looking for to give it a trial?
