By Prof. Gerald Ndubuisi Okeke
Rt. Hon (Dr) Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba is my choice for President of Nigeria in 2023. If we have said that we need a young and vibrant politician, who is not only physically, but mentally and academically prepared to handle the rigorous and complex demands of the Office of Mr. President, Nwajiuba is the answer.
We do not need a superman, but someone who will further the realisation of super- strong institutions, like a strong and an independent judiciary, a free and unimpeded legislative branch and an executive that is peopled by men of progressive ideas and ideals that are first promoted by nationalistic instincts and zeal, before any consideration of the primordial ideals of clan, tribe or religion.
The only man that fits the above bills is Barr. Nwajiuba, whose experience and nationalistic fervour we have since seen as transcending regional and religious boundaries.
He has lived, schooled in all parts of the country and engaged in business with Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and other tribes in Nigeria. He has also been a part of the Executive as Minister, Chairman of Board, and in Parliament as lawmaker and has also been part of the judiciary as a lawyer; an area of learning in which he parades an intimidating Doctorate Degree.
These are no mean feats. Famous Presidents like Obama and even our Jonathan here could not have boasted of the kind of qualifications/ credentials and preparedness Nwajiuba wields before they led their countries!
There is, therefore, no wonder why people everywhere are telling him to declare for the position of President. He is also 55, next birthday. So, with him on the seat, and with maybe, an older Vice President, like Obama and Joe Biden in their day, the nation will surely be in for greater years ahead.
Just consider how the young man was able to reposition TETFUND in his 2-year stint there. He attracted funds that were not only channelled right, but benefitted every part of the country. Even as a Member of the House of Representatives in my part of the country, Nwajiuba ensured that the entire Constituency was primarily connected by a network of roads that are still withstanding tear and wear to this very day.
Look at what he is doing in Education as Minister of State. No day goes by without him being somewhere even politicians who are indigenous to such places are afraid to visit. That is leadership: personal bravery and sacrifice! Surprisingly, he remains so silent about whatever he does that we keep wondering what kind of a politician he is.
You know, in Nigeria, politicians build a culvert and call the full compliments of media personnel to commission it. But this young and performing gentleman is different; completely different.
Do you still want to know why we are supporting him?
