By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
The Arewa Youth Forum (AYF), is to say the least surprised by the report credited to Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN), Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) who was quoted to have asked the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) members from the 19 Northern states and Abuja not to contest for the Presidency as it was the turn of the South to produce President Muhammadu Buhari’s successor.
This was expressed in a statement signed by the National President, AYF, Gambo Ibrahim Gujungu, dated October 25, 2021.
AYF therefore said they were taken aback that people like Sagay should be canvassing for zoning instead of looking for equitably qualified persons from any part of the country to lead Nigeria out of the present doldrums.
“As a group committed to the welfare of Nigerians most especially the youths, we are not worried about where the next president of the country comes in as much as he is capable of turning around the fortunes of the country.
“We are working to make sure that only a capable Nigerian takes over the presidency after President Muhammadu Buhari. A Nigerian that will not be detribalized, that will work for the development of the country and carry along all regions of the country.
“It was because of this that we are worried that a Nigerian of the caliber of Sagay will be canvassing for a sectional leader and asking some Nigerians not to contest for the Presidency because of where they are from.
“Sagay was also reported to have said that Nigeria does not need youths like Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state as its presidential candidate in 2023. Why is Sagay particular about Governor Bello.
“He also said the party must field a Southerner as candidate advised Bello to aspire to be Vice- President or wait till 2031 when it will be the turn of the North after the South must have used its two terms of eight years.
“Our stand is that we believe in the unity and oneness of Nigeria, we are opposed to zoning of the Presidency to any part of the country. We want all Nigerians from any part of the country that has what it takes to govern the country, lead the country out of the present woes to come out and contest.
“Like majority of Nigerians, we are not happy with the state of affairs in the country and the only solution is for political parties to field credible, young and experienced politicians that has what it takes to make Nigeria a great country.
“Sagay of all people should know that what Nigerians need is a president that will deliver us from the present state of anomie. The time to start looking for a regional president is over.”
