The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev Dr. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has said that the call for Igbo president come 2023 is not out of place, while describing it as a serious and fair demand by the people of South East, Nigeria.
Bishop Ezeokafor, who disclosed this to newsmen during his Christmas and New Year message, said that following the trajectory of affairs since the civilian take over of power in 1999, that it is fair and just for Igbo to produce a president in 2023 election.
According to the prelate, it is a serious demand for fairness and justice and everyone who loves sincerity should support the call.
"Igbo presidency should be considered to avoid generating frictions or reinforcing call for secession by some section in the country.
"At least, we have three major tribes in Nigeria, and since 1999, we have had a Yoruba, Hausa and even a southern president, so it will be fair and just for Igbos to produce the president, come 2023. This will help to give everyone sense of belonging and unity. The call is not a privilege, but a right".
Speaking on Anambra 2021 General election, the prelate said anyone who must emerge must be familiar with the terrain of the state, stressing that Anambra needs a candidate, who will consolidate, as well as surpass the previous governors the state has had.
While lamenting the lopsided appointments and insecurity prevalent in Nigeria, Bishop Ezeokafor urged Federal Government to be alive to their expectations, even as he reminded them that protection of lives and properties remain their primary responsibility. He also called for the immediate change of service chiefs to improve the security situation in the country, while decrying that some persons were feeding on the present security predicament bedeviling Nigeria.
He further asked the Federal Government to sincerely tackle the corruption prevalent in Nigeria, and tasked them to diversify the economy in order to improve the living conditions of people.
He said, "As a nation, we need to be careful and we need to be proactive. There are new technologies springing up that is knocking off our petroleum products.
"We must plan for alternative by diversifying our economy. We need to pay attention to agriculture to attain some level of local production of what we consume rather than relying heavily on importation. We must encourage local production of our foods".
Bishop Ezeokafor also asked the federal government to make plans for Nigerian youths, while suggesting that youths should be given appointments and groomed to immediately take over power. He posited that young people would come on board with lots of ideas and dexterity.
He warned Federal Government of excessive borrowing, which, he said, is capable of mortgaging Nigeria, while advising that if they must borrow, they should use the funds purposefully. He urged government at all levels to cut cost of governance.
Speaking on Christmas, Bishop Ezeokafor reminded Christians that the season offers them opportunity to reconcile with God, even as they prepare for other material celebration. He said Christmas is meant to share love to one another as God has first loved humanity.
He urged Nigerians to continue observing the COVID-19 safety measures to stem the spread of the second wave of the virus.