Index to Nigerian Newspapers

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has reportedly backed the emergence of an Igbo president in 2019, despite mixed reactions from prominent Igbo politicians. Some argue that the challenges facing Nigeria have gone beyond who becomes president and that the best approach is to restructure the country and allow each region to develop at its own pace. However, some believe that the Igbo cannot be considered serious when they argue that they are marginalized, as they have always been part of the leadership. For instance, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe supported military President Ibrahim Babangida as de facto vice president from 1985 to 1986, and Dr. Alex Ekwueme served as vice president from 1979 to 1983. Additionally, several Igbo sons and daughters have held sensitive positions in government since the return of civil rule in 1999. Some also believe that the Igbo have been deliberately relegated to the background in politics, arguing that their achievements can be attributed to their resourcefulness, industry, and hard work.