2023: Tinubu’s all illness splits Ohaneze

Ohanaeze Ndigbo and its factions are at loggerheads how following a statement by a chieftain of a faction days ago on APC national leader Bola Tinubu, his health and political relevance in Nigeria.

The National Daily earlier reported that Ohanaeze’s Deputy President General, Dim Uche Okwukwu described Tinubu, who is healing in London, as Igbo protector and he guide Nigeria needs now to unify it and help its democracy.

Okwukwu also wished him quick recovery—not exactly to contest, but so he could mentor as many political upstarts as possible.

But the deputy president’s praise-singing obviously pissed off another Ohaneze whose national publicity secretary just issued a counter statement dismissing Tinubu and his 2023 presidential ambition.

Chika Temple debunked the claim Tinubu is Igbo protector because he appointed Akabueze as his commissioner when the APC leader was Lagos governor.

“We wish Ashiwaju of Yoruba land a quick recovery from London health trip, but, Ohanaeze will want to make it clear that we have not endorsed Tinubu or anybody for 2023 presidency,” Temple said in a statement.

According to him, it will not be in the interest of the country to kick out Igbo nation from clinching the presidential seat, because, other regions in this country have taken their turns.

“Again, Ohanaeze doesn’t think that Nigerians will afford again to elect a sick president as seen in our current President’s earlier medical trips which nearly led this great nation into economic and political instability,” he said.

On Tinubu protecting Igbo, Temple delved into history, adding it must be a mistake for anybody to assume that Bola Tinubu is the protector of the Igbos.

“Ndigbo will not be in a hurry to recall the eviction notice slammed on Igbos in Lagos by the Oba of Lagos that almost brought disaffection between our brothers and sisters and the host ethnic nationality in Lagos,” he said, wondering what Tinubu did to caution the monarch.

Many believe Tinubu is preparing for 2023 presidency, and the earlier statement is a veiled endorsement by the Igbo leading group.

The APC leader has yet to declare his intention, though.