2023 President: You’re Looking For Trouble – Igbo Group Replies Northern Elders

The Concerned Igbo Stakeholders Forum (CISF) has faulted the statement of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) on its position on who takes over from President Muhammadu Buhari, come 2023.

Oasis Magazine earlier reported a statement by Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, NEF spokesperson, who had declared that the North was not ready to relinquish power in 2023.

He made the comment while delivering an address at the Maitama Sule Leadership Lecture Series in Zaria.

Baba-Ahmed said anyone who does not want a Northerner as President should leave the country if one emerges.

“We have the majority of the votes and the democracy says vote whom you want.

“Why should we accept second class position when we know we can buy form and contest for first class and we will win,” he quipped.

Reacting, Chukwuma Okenwa, CISF spokesperson described the position as disappointing.

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In a statement on Monday, he said the North was playing on the intelligence and patience of the people in Nigeria’s South.

Okenwa said such comments may cause additional trouble in a country already enduring fragile peace.

“It might further fuel secessionist movements in the country.

“Southern Nigeria is more united than ever and will resist any attempt to impose a Northern President on Nigerians come 2023,” he noted.