2019 presidency: Igbo demanding for wrong things – Bishop Okonkwo

Bishop Mike Okonkwo

The Presiding Bishop of the Redeemed Evangelical Mission, TREM, Mike Okonkwo, has said Igbo are looking for the wrong things by demanding to be given a chance to rule Nigeria.

Okonkwo who was the former president of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) said instead of looking for Presidency, Igbos should develop the South East.

Speaking with The Nation, the clergyman said: “I’m an Igbo man and as far as I’m concerned, I don’t believe in Igbos looking for presidency. The Igbos should shut their doors and develop the Southeast. We are fighting for the wrong things.”

He also noted that what Nigeria needs at this point was restructuring and not necessarily an Igbo presidency.

Okonkwo said, “As far as I am concerned, this nation needs restructuring. The reason everyone is jostling for presidency is because of the juicy largesse that comes from there. Let every person go to his own region and develop it. Make the centre less attractive. Unbundle this centre. Let people go, if you have anything to offer, go to your region and get it done. For me, I am not an advocate of Igbo presidency.

“No doubt, Igbos have been marginalised. I’m not taking that out. They have been deprived, but my point is; let’s not use that as bait, as if we’re doing the Igbos a favour. We are all Nigerians. Everyone is entitled to rule this country.

“That was my joy when Jonathan became president of this country. I was excited in the sense that for once, let it be said that a minority can rule this country. In fact, I was happy that he came on board. Unfortunately, he played with it and this is where we are.

“So for me, Igbos should not be thinking of that. Let’s even be thinking of how to restructure the country. But if God decides that he has something to do through an Igbo man within this country, in order for us to get where we are going, I don’t have any issues with that. But let it not be the bait that they are offering you presidency. What makes them think if they say it, they will do it?”