By Mahmoud Dogara (Bauchi State Correspondent)
A group under the auspices of the North East Foundation for Good Governance in Nigeria (NEFGGlN) has endorsed the former governor of Imo State and current senator representing Imo West, Owelle Rochas Anayo Okorocha, for president in 2023.
The group in a statement in Bauchi signed by the Coordinator, Ibrahim L. T. Balewa and Secretary-General, John Akevi, respectively, said the endorsement of Okorocha was as a result of his enviable track record as a non-tribalistic Nigerian and lover of peace who believes in fairness and unity of the country.
"Rochas Okorocha's humanitarian credential is legendary. He built schools across Nigeria through his ROCHAS FOUNDATION. His political appointment cut across the country. As a Senator he appointed northern politicians such as Alhaji Yusuf Goshi as Special Assistant protocol, and Alhaji Abdulmalik Mahmud (Baradan Katagum) former Deputy Governor of Bauchi state as Chief-of-Staff," the statement said.
"Under his stewardship as governor one Hon Faisal Lawal was elected Vice-Chairman of Owerri Municipal Council Imo State in 2018 till date. Having witnessed his antecedent as a bridge-builder, a patriotic Nigerian who has contributed immensely to the development of the nation economically and politically, both as an individual and as a politician, our unwavering support is predicated on the belief that Rochas Okorocha is the best Igbo man that Nigeria and Nigerians needed and deserved to lead them out of the quagmire facing the country", the statement read
The group appealed to Nigerians to support Okorocha for President, pointing out that the last time Igbo ruled this nation was during the military regime 54 years ago, during late General Aguiyi Ironsi's era, which lasted for just 194 days.
"He deserves to be given a chance, and we are glad that our people in the North East and other geo-political zones will unanimously agree that an Igbo president is what Nigeria needs to take the next strides towards development.
"Since 1999, South- West, North - West, and South-South have produced presidents, conventionally, power rotates for equity and justice as implied in the Principles of Federal Character. Therefore, in 2023, passionate consideration should be accorded the South - East as the only zone in the Southern region that has yet to produce a president.
"Since the North would have concluded its eight years run in President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, it is fair we allow the presidency to go to the Southeast if we must continue to encourage equity, fairness, and unity of this country," The statement said. NNL.
