By Akinwale Kasali
A member of the Nigeria Diaspora Think Tank and the Chairman of Igbo World Assembly, Nwachukwu Anthony Anakwenze, a United States-based Medical Doctor and the Chairman of Igbo World has urged the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to abide by its laid down rules and principles of Zoning.
Appealing to the leadership of the party and stakeholders, Anakwenze said at this critical stage, the Party needs to remain faithful to the idea of zoning the Presidential ticket to the South in next year’s General Elections because the subsisting rotation favours the region at the end of President Muhammadu Buhari’s second term.
The United States-based medical practitioner, who has indicated interest in running for the Presidential seat having purchased the N40 Million Nomination Form made the appeal in Lagos at a press conference.
He said the scheming by some politicians from the North to retain power in their region in 2023, in flagrant disrespect of the power rotation arrangement, is not in the best interest of the country.
He said that in 24 Years of Democratic Rule of the nation, the Igbos have been marginalized despite the South East contributing greatly to the development of the nation in terms of infrastructure, intellect and business.
Anakwenze added that the Southeast geo-political zone have demonstrated faith in a united Nigeria than any other ethnic nationality and deserve to produce the president ahead of the other two zones that had already taken a shot at it since the return to civil rule in 1999.
He also condemned the spate of insecurity in the country on marginalisation and injustice.
“The present degree of regional and ethno-political polarisation, insecurity, hunger, unemployment, secessionist agitations and banditry occasioned by poor leadership, puts Nigeria at risk of breaking up.”
“I am a simple man that is driven by the desire to give the youth, the nation’s children what we had growing up; a sense of self-worth and the belief that the sky is the limit when it comes to the ability to excel.”
Speaking on his ability and capacity to rule a complex nation like Nigeria, Anakwenze said he has what it takes to bring the country out of its present economic woes.
He explained that zoning will not allow the best candidate like him to emerge as the presidential candidate of the party, hence his decision that the contest be thrown open for the best to emerge.
He added that he is also an industrialist that employs more than 4,000 youths, and if given the chance to rule the nation, is major focus and investment will be on youth capacity and development.
He pledged to bring back 10,000 medics of Nigerian origin back to help improve the medical sector in the country.
Anakwenze further said that his election as President, will bring an end to medical tourism in Nigeria.
