… Advises FG to meet with Igbo leaders over IPOB, Kanu
…Warns APC will polarize if North retains presidency
By Ezeocha Nzeh
Former Imo State governor, Senator Rochas Okorocha has joined the Southern Governors Forum n the call for the zoning of Nigeria’s next president in 2023 to the Southern part of the country.
Okorocha said during an interractive session with On geria Union of Journalists ( NUJ),FCT Council, tagged “Conversation with Nigerian Union of Journalists” , Abuja Council on his 59th birthday also advised Federal government to meet with South East leaders over Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and the Indiginous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The Conversation with Rochas was part of the events lines up to kick-start his birthday celebration, slated for September 30.
The former governor, who is also the senator representing Imo West senatorial district maintained that other zones of the country should be gven the opportunity to contribute their own quoter in the nation’s leadership stated that one fundamental problem with the Nigeria is that only 5% of the population believe in the country.
According to him, 70% of Nigerians don’t believe in the country and don’t work for the success and progress of the country as they are selfish, while 25% of the population are tribal men.
He posited that for Nigeria to become that which everybody expect, the people who believe in the country must rise to 70% through conscious believe in the country.
He said, “We should develop national spirit, that high spiritual elevation above personal convictions. It protects the indigent and weak in the society. I see positive and new thing to come in Nigeria with such spirit.
On national issues and 2023, Okorocha said, “I agree with Southern Governors on Southern Presidency.
“There’s no justification for APC zoning Presidency away from the South. If zoned to the North, it will polarise the party.”
The Southern Governors had on the second time in Enugu State, where they meet emphasized that presidential power must be shifted to Southern in 2023.
Okorocha, supporting this said,” in 1999 – 2007 the Presidency was in the South, 2007 to 2010 the Presidency was in the North, 2010 to 2015 the Presidency was in the South and now 2015 to 2023 the Presidency is in the North. After this, it is normal and natural for it to return to the South.”
Also backing the Southern governors position, Okorocha posited that open grazing is not only out dated, but a child abuse practice that should attract punishment
On Nnamdi Kanu, Okorocha blamed the federal government for mismanaging the situation.
According to him, they elevated Kanu to the status that he has become a Zonal and national issue. He however advised the federal government to meet with South East leaders over Kanu and IPOB, so as to reach a final solution to the lingering matter..
He stated that there was no justification for people to be canvassing for amnesty for bandits in the North, while Kanu is being held by the federal government.
Okorocha also spoke on his governance in Imo State, stating that his achievements would be difficult for anybody to equal.
According to him, the present Imo State government was out to destroy the future of the children under Rochas Foundation in the state.
He explained that his only offence was that he allocated land to Rochas Foundation to build school and a hotel which proceeds were used for the school.
He called on leaders to consider it as a responsibility to take at least one child out of the streets.
Speaking on the award given to him by NUJ: ICON of service and philanthropy award, he said, “I dedicate this award to millions of indigent children looking for access to education.
“When I got this letter I had mixed feelings. May be I deserve this honours because of my deeds for these children who are after my heart. Or may be the NUJ want to take a pound of flesh from me. I love NIGERIA, God has allowed this space for me on earth. I’m a proud Nigerian and if reincarnation is true, I will also come as a Nigeria.”
End.
