From Ameachi Prosper (The New Diplomat’s Delta State Correspondent)
A former member of the House of Representatives, Prince Ned Nwoko, has said Nigerians should agitate for a detribalized leader ahead of the 2023 presidential election in the country and de-emphasize ethnic consideration.
According to the billionaire politician, there are good leaders across the tribes who can lead this nation, just as there are bad leaders everywhere.
The Idumuje-Ugboko born philanthropist, said he would rather believe in a pan-Nigerian leader with agenda for national service and cohesion above tribe or religion.
Nwoko who played host to, “Olu Ntorobia Igbo (Voice of the Igbo Youth)”, a delegation of Igbo Youths led by Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, reiterated the needs for a focused and detribalised man to lead the nation at all levels.
He stressed that the quest for sectional president among some ethnic groups ahead of the 2023 general elections was not the solution to the myriad of socio-economic and political problems plaguing the Nation.
“I am not among those that say an Igbo man, Yoruba man, Hausa or Fulani man must be President; neither do I believe that a Muslim or a Christian must be President. That is not my problem. I just feel that we are generally wrong when we attach tribe and/or religion to such Office and Position,” Nwoko said.
For him, the main area of focus and what should be considered should be credibility, focus, ability and exposure in the search for a president.
He pointed out that Nigeria’s problem is not true federalism, as being canvassed in some quarters but patriotic leadership that is able to understand what the challenges are and tackle them one by one.
“Tribal or religious profiling is a mere gimmick by some power-seeking politicians. There are good leaders across the tribes who can lead this nation, just as there are bad leaders everywhere.
“Inept leadership is not ethnic-specific or sectarian driven. A Southern Christian corrupt leader is as bad as a morally deficient Northern Muslim politician. We must stop playing the ethnic card and shun stoking religious sentiments for the peace, unity and progress of the nation.” Nwoko said.
