Buhari’s successor: You’re looking for trouble, Igbo group replies NEF

By Charles Onyekwere, Abakaliki

The Concerned Igbo Stakeholders Forum (CISF) has condemned the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) for its stance on who succeeds President Muhammadu Buhari come 2023.

Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, NEF spokesperson had declared that the North was not ready to relinquish power in 2023.

He made the comment while delivering an address at the Maitama Sule Leadership Lecture Series in Zaria, Kaduna State on Sunday.

Baba-Ahmed said anyone who does not want a Northerner as President should leave the country if one emerges.

“We have the majority of the votes and democracy says vote whom you want.

“Why should we accept a second class position when we know we can buy a form and contest for first class and we will win,” he quipped.

Reacting, Chukwuma Okenwa, CISF spokesperson described the position as disappointing.

In a statement on Monday, Okenwa said the North was playing on the intelligence and patience of the people in Nigeria’s South.

He said such comments may cause additional trouble in a country already enduring fragile peace.

“It might further fuel secessionist movements in the country.

“Southern Nigeria is more united than ever and will resist any attempt to impose a Northern President on Nigerians come 2023,” he noted.