Ibekimi Oriamaja Reports.
Ichie, Damian According to Afam Okeke-Ogene, Vice President-General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the decision of the All Progressive Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Senator Ahmed Tinibu, to pick a fellow Muslim, Senator Kashim Shettima, as Vice Presidential Candidate in the 2023 election, is a serious threat to Nigeria’s unity and corporate existence.
Ichie Damian Okeke-Ogene stated in a press release distributed to journalists in Awka on Thursday that Nigeria is a multi-religious and multi-ethnic country, and that any attempt by one religion to dominate the political structure would only widen the mistrust gap and destroy the delicate sense of tolerance that has been cultivated over the years.
He stated that the APC presidential candidate’s choice of a Muslim/Muslim ticket is not only inappropriate, but also demonstrates a complete disregard for the country’s diversity, and that this has undermined efforts by well-meaning Nigerians over the years to bridge religious differences and promote ethnic harmonious coexistence.
According to Ichie Damian Okeke-Ogene, Tinibu’s desperation to be President of Nigeria has thwarted former President Goodluck Jonathan’s efforts and sacrifice to consolidate Nigeria’s corporate existence when he stated that his political aspiration was not worth shedding the blood of any Nigerian, noting that the APC presidential candidate does not care about Nigeria’s unity and peaceful coexistence.
Given the country’s insecurity and widening ethnic divides and agitations, he believes introducing Muslim/Muslim tickets at this time is satanic.
Ichie Okeke-Ogene praised the Pan Yoruba socio-political organization (Afenifere), led by Chief Ayo Adebanjo, and Chief Edwin Clark, convener of the Pan Niger Delta Forum and Ijaw leader, for remaining vocal and speaking out on national issues affecting Nigerians, noting that South-West and South-South socio-cultural organizations have been consistent in pointing out and supporting the injustice meted out to the
He reminded Nigerians that Mr Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, is the face of a new Nigeria devoid of ethnic coloration, noting that his emergence has sparked a tsunami-like movement across the country comprised of Nigerians from all ethnic groups.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo has promised to give Mr Peter Obi the support and encouragement he needs to achieve his goals and change the narrative in the country.
