I am an Igbo man from the south eastern Nigeria. I am writing this article to make a case for why the Nigerian government should give my region a chance to rebuild the economy and foster economic development, and why an Igbo man should be Nigeria president. I believe that these are not only fair and reasonable demands, but also necessary and beneficial for the country as a whole.
The south eastern Nigeria has been historically marginalized and neglected since the end of the civil war in 1970, which resulted in massive loss of lives, properties, and infrastructure. The region also suffers from high unemployment, poverty, insecurity, and environmental degradation. These challenges have hampered the growth and development of the region, and denied the people their basic rights and opportunities. Giving the south eastern Nigeria a chance to rebuild the economy and foster economic development could help address these challenges and improve the living standards and well-being of the people.
The south eastern Nigeria has a lot of potential and comparative advantages in various sectors, such as agriculture, manufacturing, trade, and tourism, that could contribute to the national economy and diversification. The region is also rich in natural resources, such as crude oil, natural gas, bauxite, iron ore, sandstone, lignite, clay, coal, tin and columbite. Giving the south eastern Nigeria a chance to rebuild the economy and foster economic development could help harness these resources and create more jobs, income, and revenue for the region and the country.
Giving the south eastern Nigeria a chance to rebuild the economy and foster economic development could also help promote national healing and unity, which have been strained by the legacy of the civil war, the agitation for secession by some groups, and the perceived marginalization and discrimination of the Igbo people in the political and economic spheres. Giving the south eastern Nigeria a chance to rebuild the economy and foster economic development could help reduce the grievances and tensions, and foster a sense of belonging and inclusion among the Igbo people and other Nigerians.
One of the ways to achieve this is to have an Igbo man as Nigeria president. This would be a demonstration of the principle of federal character and rotational presidency, which are meant to ensure that all the geopolitical zones and ethnic groups in the country have a fair and equal opportunity to participate in the governance and leadership of the country. Since 1999, the presidency has rotated between the north and the south, but the south east zone has not produced a president, unlike the south west and the south south zones. Having an Igbo man as Nigeria president could help correct this imbalance and reflect the diversity and plurality of the country.
An Igbo man should be Nigeria president because the Igbo people have made significant contributions to the development and progress of the country in various fields, such as education, science, technology, arts, culture, sports, and business. The Igbo people are also known for their entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, resilience, and hard work, which could be beneficial for the country’s economy and society. Having an Igbo man as Nigeria president could help recognize and appreciate the achievements and talents of the Igbo people and inspire them to do more for the country.
An Igbo man should be Nigeria president because it could help heal the wounds and reconcile the differences that have been caused by the civil war and its aftermath, which have left a deep scar on the psyche and history of the country. Having an Igbo man as Nigeria president could help foster a sense of forgiveness, reconciliation, and integration among the Igbo people and other Nigerians, and pave the way for a more peaceful and united country.
