JUST IN: POSITIONING IGBO PROJECT IN THE POLITICAL MAINSTREAM – CHRIS MBAKA
Without any shred of doubt; Igbo continues to fail in the project of Nigeria because we have alienated ourselves from the mainstream politics. Going further; we have not learned from other regions that pick a national figure and mold him into a Nigeria’s project.
Today; Igbo believe occupying the apex office of Nigeria is a quick fire project. A project you start today and succeed the next minute. Little wonder a lot of us are believing in Peter Obi, who has no name beyond his region. A politician who has built no bridge or formalized with other regions as more than one region is needed to occupy the apex office of our dear country.
We are not being realistic if we believe social media is what it takes to become the president of Nigeria. Sincerely writing; if social media is all it takes to become a president in Nigeria, Igbo will not trail other major tribes. We would be in a distant third or even non-existent.
The truth is, we have not done our homework. We have not planned accurately and shown the political acumen needed to be in Aso Rock. We prefer to embrace trivial issues and unachievable dreams. Not only that, but we want a quick fix without knowing it took Tinibu years of diligence to politick his way to becoming the flag bearer of a ruling party.
It took Muhammed Buhari years of planning and politicking to become the president of Nigeria. Those that became the president of Nigeria did not get it by threatening the existence of Nigeria or begging like orphans under upiweka pedestrian flyover. They did not get it by releasing countless press statements threatening to blow Nigeria into pieces if not chosen. They did by diligent politics; doing what is necessary and assiduously working towards its implementation.
APC is a window Igbo can utilize today, but we have started sulking and playing politics of emotion. Being vindictive instead of to be proactive and politically sophisticated. APC started with a Hausa president and gone for a Yoruba president in 2023, the next president will definitely be Igbo president, but we cannot get it by ranting and emotionally playing politics but engaging where we need to engage. Compromise where we need to compromise and above all, start earlier to project a candidate.
There is an Igbo politician in the mainstream politics that has a better chance than any other Igbo politician, Orji Uzor Kalu has proven to be a master in the game of Nigerian politics. He has built bridges and held firmly his relevance in the Nigerian political space. He has everything needed to excel in Nigeria, and he commands the respect of other regions. We have to embrace the reality and start earlier to chase a black goat before dusk.
Igbo need a salable leader with experience and details. To achieve the dream of occupying the apex office of our dear country, we must start to understanding the dynamics of Nigeria’s politics. We must start making friends with other regions, and no man has made it easier for us than Orji Uzor Kalu.
Orji Uzor Kalu has proven to be the best bet and should be the project we start earlier to nurse. Uzor has got experience, tools, connect, national influence and everything it takes to deliver our region.
The mission to occupy the apex office of our country must begin now. Let nobody deceive you that we can wake up anytime we like without planning and win a national election. Faith comes by hearing and unbelievers like Igbo require continuous message of hope. There is no other figure well suited in the ruling party to deliver Igbo presidency than Orji Uzor Kalu. All we require now is to start earlier to making him a national project.
Chris Mbaka writes from Imo state.
