By: Daniel Imo
Who wears the cap in our political journey?
Alex Ekwueme has been a stabilizing factor holding the fort for ndigbo at the national level due to his exposure and experience in the Nigerian political landscape. He was an accomplished Architect, a former Vice President and the founding chairman of PDP. Now that he is no more, who does the Igbo rally around for guidance and experience?
We had Zik, Michael Okpara, Akanu Ibiam, Ironsi, Ojukwu who played their bit at various dimensions in strengthening the political will of the igbo. We then had Alex, now it naturally behoves on the following statesmen to guide the current crop of Igbo politicians and speak the conscience of the Igbo nation:
1. Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (retd.)
The following puts him at the fore front in guiding Igbo politicians, Igbo sociocultural organizations and speaking for the Igbo people as far as Nigeria is concerned:
– An accomplished Naval Officer unrivaled in his time.
– Former Governor of former nations capital – Lagos.
– Former Governor of Niger State. Ukiwe Expressway in Minna is named after him.
– Former Chief of General Staff (De facto Vice President) during babangida government.
Ukiwe became a folk hero and a political martyr when he challenged babangida’s move in making Nigeria (a secular state by constitution) an Islamic country by registering her into OIC. This confrontation by ukiwe cost him his office whereby he was forced to resign.
Ever since his exit from the corridors of power, he has been active and progressive in trade and industry. He unsuccessfully ran for presidency in 2003 and still plays his bit in nation building.
2. Chief Emeka Anyaoku
The following makes him an authority for political guidance and an igbo voice to the general polity at the national level:
– former Secretary General of the Commonwealth of Nations
– An accomplished diplomat of the United Nations Organization
After retiring from active international diplomacy, Emeka remained active as a traditional ruler in his community. He has remained consistent in diplomacy towards achieving a better Nigeria.
So far, these are the two men I believe can guide and speak for the Igbo at the National level.
Any inputs or reservations? Feel free to share!
Imo writes from Lagos
