FROM COALITION OF SOUTH EAST YOUTH LEADERS (COSEYL).
An Open Letter To
His Excellency
Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu
National Leader
All Progressives Congress (APC)
Sir,
APPEAL FOR SUPPORT FOR NIGERIAN PRESIDENT OF IGBO EXTRACTION
In respect of the above-mentioned subject matter, Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (acronymed COSEYL), the apex socio-political youth group, writes to you.
In the light of the trends and development of our beloved nation we deem it necessary to seek your blessings and support as not just a political stakeholder but a father given your position in our nation.
Our intent to write you came from the general resolution of our executive committee council to reach out to men like you. We intend not to teach you history but to state a well-known political fact.
Although it is mostly illogical to base or spread Nigeria according to three major regions of West, East and North, we wish to state, however, that baring the South East, all other regions or geopolitical zones have had a shot at the presidency. Quadrennially, each presidential campaign tour and team has always had to station at the South East canvassing for support.
What is missing in the jigsaw is that never had a son or daughter of the region made it to the top job. This, regrettably, does not spell inclusiviseness in our polity.
Barring Aguiyi Ironsi, who held sway as a military head of state, the Igbo are yet to occupy the exalted seat even decades after the civil war. There are now arguments here and there to the fact that the basis for qualification for the job shall no longer be on the principle of rotation but on the premise of competence.
As beautiful as this sounds, the South East cannot be said of as lacking men worthy and competent in character. What is lamentable is that the advocates of competence today were yesterday’s supporters of rotational presidency; the design, as it appears, is to justify exclusion of a group whose time and turn is next and due.
As a pan-Nigerian group we are given to and are committed to achieving and living in one prosperous Nigeria. It is the dream we have and nurture. We realise that a mandate and goal of this scale requires mobilization and support of and from Nigerians outside the South East.
It is not for parochial reason we pursue this object but due largely to the need to create and strike a balance in our polity that gives Nigerians sense of belonging especially in these times youth and many fail to listen to the alternative voice of history not to repeat past mistakes.
As a way to go, we have set up the Igbo Presidential Actualization Committee, IPAC, goal and mandate of which is to draw a list of worthy Igbo sons and daughters from which the best candidate shall be chosen.
We are not doing this alone nor for the region alone. Part of the legwork and advocacy is to consult outside the region, reaching out to other regions, groups and associations within the federation.
We feel it is time to have the Nigeria of our dreams and without the support of national leaders of your type this object may not have the kind of plurality deserving of a Nigerian project.
However, we reach out to you humbly seeking that you support the endorsement of a Nigerian president of Igbo extraction come 2023. This is our object for the good of our nation, well in it may God bless Nigeria.
Accept, sir, the assurances of our esteemed regard.
Signed:
Hon. Goodluck Egwu Ibem
President General
Comrade Kanice Igwe
Secretary General
