The attitude of a typical Igbo person to politics has to change as long as South East remains part of Nigeria. The Igbo person would often remark about focusing on his or her business or trade whilst leaving politics to politicians. To the point of abstaining from voting. THREAD.
That mentality was entrenched because during military rule and 16 years of democracy when economic policies were nationalistic and wasn't targeted to disadvantage of any group. Also the capitalist, free market ideology of PDP made it seem like their businesses were insulated.
Now with Buhari's socialist, state-led capitalist ideology and targeting and under-investment of regions has begin to raise the consciousness of some that politics is not isolated from the economy, business and commerce. Without the right people in power, businesses will suffer.
Last week where I jog, a group of businesses people who have a fitness group, mostly Igbo business men were singing along as they jogged that God should intervene and open the borders. As I jogged pass them, I shook my head cos these are the people who pay less heed to politics.
Now it is becoming obvious to them that they cannot just focus on their businesses because with less business friendly government in power, there will be policies which are not favorable to their businesses or policies which will affect their trade drastically.
Even on this twitter, we talk about Igbo presidency and some Igbos who should spearhead it will tell you it is only restructuring they want. Demanding restructuring doesn't entail jettisoning Igbo presidency. Making both demands is still in order and not mutually exclusive.
The Yorubas didn't sit down and wait for the presidency, they demanded it. Northerners demanded it. But the Igbo people are waiting for a constitutional conference where they will meet and decide for South East to have the presidency. It doesn't work like that.
With Igbo presidency, we won't have to make it look like 2nd Niger Bridge is a favour. We won't beg for Enugu airport. That airport was upgraded to intl airport without placating anyone. We can develop ports close to Onitsha and Aba with the right person in power.
Politics affects business. It is high time Igbo people understand that running away from politics or staying away is like running away from our shadows. Igbo presidency should be on the lips of most Igbo people, by so doing, others will begin to think about it and support.
