The apex Igbo unifying organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has appealed to the northern part of Nigeria to reconsider reverting to the erstwhile political cooperation between the duo in future.
The apex Igbo socio socio-cultural organization made the plea in a recent call to Northern leaders ”to reflect on the historical missteps of their region from 1999 to 2023.”
The appeal is in response to the recent declaration by the Northern Elders Forum leadership expressing regret over their choice to support President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 elections.
In a statement sent to Politics Nigeria, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, secretary-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, said
”The North must heed this call with grace, as they have been the architects of their own political misjudgments and blunders. Embracing the reality of realignment with the Southeast is imperative for the Northern region’s future prosperity.”
Mazi Isiguzoro pointed out ”the future beckons a united front, where the North and East stand as pillars of strength, forging a destiny free from regrets and fueled by mutual respect and collaboration.
”Without rekindling the traditional allegiance with the East, the North risks being ensnared by cunning politicians, perpetuating a cycle of regrets that has plagued the region since 1999.
”The on-going lamentations of Northern leaders within the first eleven months of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration have not gone unnoticed by Nigerians, particularly the Ndigbo.
”Noteworthy figures such as the Sultan of Sokoto, Emir of Kano, and other eminent religious and traditional leaders have raised poignant concerns about the prevalent sufferings, insecurities, and poverty in the North.
”The voices of discontent from socio-cultural organizations and political figures in the North highlight a deep-seated dissatisfaction with the current trajectory.”
Isiguzoro made reference to the harmonious political alliances that once existed between the North and the East in the early ’60s.
He stated that the partnership between the NPC and the NCNC was a beacon of unity and collaboration that the North should consider revisiting for future elections.
”The regrettable choices made in past elections, as witnessed in Jos PDP 1998 Convention, the Northern choice of Obasanjo over Ekwueme, the 2015 choice Of Buhari over Jonathan, and in 2023 Tinubu over Obi, underscore the need for strategic realignment to avert future remorse.
”Ndigbo extends an olive branch to the Northern brethren, but the message remains clear. To pave the way for a prosperous future, a return to the table with the East is paramount.
”Though supporting President Tinubu until 2027 may seem prudent, the North must look towards collaborative efforts with the East, their traditional allies, for sustained stability.
”The undulating paths of politics demand discernment and foresight to avoid the temptations and pitfalls of momentary choices”, it stated.
