by Azubuike Azikiwe
National Coordinator of Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria, Ifeanyi Ubah, has advised President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, to carry along the Ndigbo ethnic in his administration.
In an interview with Vanguard Newspapers, Ubah stated that he was convinced that Buhari will not punish nor exclude Ndigbo for voting against him in the presidential election.
Ubah implored Buhari that if he hopes to get the appreciation and support of the Ndigbo, he has to show love to them.
“The government should carry Ndigbo along by giving us additional states. That is one thing that is very important. If you do this for Ndigbo, there is no way you will not be appreciated. Ndigbo are not asking for so much from the government. We only ask for good governance, infrastructural development in Igboland, a conducive business atmosphere, level playing field, and security of lives and properties.”
“You know, they voted Jonathan because his government guaranteed them these. So, they say we can give South East additional state, so that we have six states, like the other zones. For example North-West has seven. We don’t want seven. Just give us six, like others. We will, like others, be reassured that we are part of this federation.”
“The second way to reassure Ndigbo and cultivate their trust is to make them an integral part of the in-coming government. This is of utmost importance. In any case, I wonder how any government which excludes Ndigbo because they did not vote en mass for the President will function.”
“Such a government will unfortunately portray itself as petty and vindictive. I however do not think that General Buhari will be persuaded to exclude or ‘punish’ Ndigbo. He does not strike me as such a person. He is a great Nigerian with exceptional leadership qualities.”
“Ndigbo have a special gift, which any government will be glad to tap into. You cannot do without the Igbo or indeed any ethnic nationality in Nigeria. So, it is my opinion, that General Buhari and APC need to show love to Ndigbo. And once you show any Igbo man that you can accommodate him, such relationship will profit everyone.”
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