By FEC Jonas
As the clamour for inclusiveness in government and the correction of imbalance in the political structure of Nigeria gains momentum, it has been revealed that President Ahmed Tinubu was not responsible for the perceived marginalisation of Ndi Igbo in the sharing of government offices.
In a shocking revelation, which has been described as the insincerity of most Igbo politicians, a former Governor from the South West spoke in a private gathering to a selected group of Igbo politicians who came to solicit his support to cede the position of Senate President to South East.
According to sources, the ex-governor was quoted as saying that “Asiwaju is a fair-minded man. Look at his wife, a Christian and pastor while himself is a Muslim. Let me shock you, Asiwaju had conceded the Senate Presidency to your people in principle but the two governors from your place under APC at that time dissuaded him”.
From the political record available, Sen. Hope Uzodimma and Engr David Umahi were the only APC Igbo governors then.
The shocking news today is not only that both governors prevented their zone from getting a prime position but are now lobbying Mr President to endorse them for the same position.
Umahi is currently battling his Senator in a bid to replace him and become SP while Uzodimma may be relying on “Omuma Magic” or “Ben Johnson Way” to get to the Senate and become President.
Recall that the then South East senators-elect, led by late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, had issued a communique warning President Tinubu against imposing a candidate from the South-South on the region.
They argued that since the South East was denied the presidential ticket, it was only fair that they be given the Senate Presidency.
Similarly, Sen. Okorocha was alleged to have played a similar role by stopping Hon. Barr. Emeka Nwajiuba from being the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
As the only APC governor from South East then, he wanted to remain the APC Igbo leader in the zone.