Nigerian-born U.S-based social commentator and Director-General of Atiku Campaign Stream, ACS, Mr. Alozie Alozie, has urged Nigerians to embrace peace and shun violent situation as the nation is gradually moving to the 2023 political dispensation. In this interview with Amaechi Prosper, The New Diplomat’s Delta Correspondent, Alozie who is also a Political Analyst and Social Crusader, said that Igbo should be strongly united if they want to rule the country in 2023. He however expressed doubt if it will be possible in the next political dispensation. He also expressed the belief that Atiku will restructure the country if elected as President, adding that Atiku’s Presidency is a sure bet to usher in a youth-based government in Nigeria.
Excerpts:
As politicians are already beating the drums of war ahead of 2023 political dispensation, what is your advice?
As a peace-loving democrat and a firm believer in a united and peaceful Nigeria, I will advice every Nigerian to embrace peace and dialogue. We are better living together in peace than in trouble.
Igbos and a few others are canvassing for Igbo President in 2023. Do you see this as coming to reality?
Sincerely speaking, I agree completely with my Igbo brothers and sisters that presidency should shift to the South East, and I doubt if there is any true son of Igbo land that wouldn’t wish the same, However, this is power and politics.
Power is negotiated and lobbied for. You don’t really get power by just asking for it or just simply on the basis of morals, No. It’s my personal opinion that, yes, the Igbo should negotiate and lobby for presidency. However, I doubt if that would happen come this 2023. But if it happens, I will be very happy.
Also, as an Igbo man, I know that what we really need is good governance and responsible government. My people can actually strive and succeed even without being the president, but so long as whoever is the president so long he understands how to manage the nation’s economy.
Igbos need sound economic policies, business friendly atmospheres, security, education and above all, an environment to live peacefully and showcase our God given talents as entrepreneurs and experts in various fields of endeavour.
Do you see an Igbo man emerging as the President of this country come 2023?
My personal opinion, and based on the structures of the two major political parties in Nigeria, PDP and APC, I doubt if it will be possible for an Igbo man to emerge President come 2023
Can you comment on Atiku’s chances of emerging the President of this country in 2023?
Just like my People from the South East are thinking, I also believe that power should also shift to North East because they are yet to produce a President. From the North East, His Excellency Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has got all that it takes to, not only be the president of Nigeria, but any other country of the world including the United States of America. He has the clout, exposure and good relationships across all the zones and tribes in Nigeria.
No doubt as at today Atiku stands out as the most detribalized Nigerian, with close family ties across the three major tongues in Nigeria, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba. Atiku has the right international contacts needed to bring back those big international companies that left Nigeria in drove a couple of years ago.
Above all, the Adamawa State-born political juggernaut (Atiku) understands our economy, He understands our diversities and has a better understanding of our challenges with proven solutions.
My personal opinion is also that Atiku stands out as the only living Nigerian politician that will restructure the country if elected as President. And the most important of all is that I strongly believe that Atiku’s presidency is a sure bet to ushering in a youth-based government in Nigeria.
Atiku remains the most liberal, celebral and most popular politician in Nigeria today. His presidency automatically will place Nigeria on the right path of sustainable development by engaging many of Nigeria’s best brains and experts both home and abroad.
It is being rumoured that President Buhari has anointed someone that will succeed him. Can you react to this allegation?
I don’t believe that President Buhari has appointed or anointed anybody to succeed him. But I strongly believe that Mr. President, would want Nigerians to choose their leader come 2023.
Nigerians are clamouring for the removal of service chiefs. What is your take on this?
I think the Service Chiefs have all given their best and honestly, my take is that, fresh hands and new ideas should be given a chance.
