We were denied opportunity to vote for Buhari - Igbo Leader says

The APC National Auditor, Dr. George Moghalu told igbo leaders at a dinner organised by Igbo Progressives, IP, Lagos State chapter that igbos won’t be marginalized in the Muhammadu Buhari presidency. In his keynote address at the event , Moghalu said that Igbos represent one of the tripod-legs that make up Nigeria and therefore Buhari can’t afford to ignore the group as no political party would survive without the support of the Igbo.

Earlier, the Convener of IP, Chief Dimude had revealed that the dinner was for the APC, ''to enable them explain the party’s national agenda for the Igbo and the place of the Igbo nation in the APC to ensure maximum support for high ranking Igbo sons and daughters in the APC, situating our intellectual contributions to the APC at the centre and determining our protection under the APC government in Lagos State.''

Moghalu who reminded the region that Buhari got only 0.013 per cent of Igbo votes said Ndigbo must begin to realign as a people to get things done right.

''The reality on the ground is that we have no ranking Senator or ranking member of the House of Representatives from the South-East. We can’t bid for the post of the Senate President, neither can we bid for the Speakership of the House of representatives. It is not about a wish, but about the pains I feel. It was politically wrong for us. In the electioneering process, our people were not allowed to vote. The environment for our people to exercise their civic rights was not provided. We were denied the opportunity to vote, but at the same time, I feel bad as a person. I feel worried for the Igbo nation. So, as a people, we must realign and see to what extent we are going to get things done right. Fortunately for us, the leadership of General Buhari has expressed a desire to turn around the electoral process so that the people’s vote can count; so that the people can choose their leaders themselves,'' he said. ''One thing I know is that we have a fair-minded President. I know we also have a fair-minded National Chairman and the National Working Committee, NWC, members are committed to equity, justice and fairness. So, there is no way anyone can say the Igbo man is not part of the Nigerian project, otherwise what are people like us who are of Igbo extraction doing in the APC? I make bold to say that in the constitution of our party, every part of this country is considered a component part, and our leadership and government will carry everybody along. I am indeed confident that the interest of the Igbo man will be protected under the Buhari administration,'' Moghalu assured.

With a Northerner and a South westerner being th President and Vice President, The South East and South South are looking for what roles they have to play in this new incoming administration.

- Naij