The issue of Igbo Presidency has been a major issue in Nigeria for years.

Indeed, the desire by many to ration the stool of presidency to the Igbo tribe has publicly been displayed online.

Well, for former President Olusegun Obasanjo, it is unjust to single out the Igbo for attempting to exit from Nigeria.

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Olusegun Obasanjo
Former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo

Obasanjo spoke on Tuesday, October 22, while addressing a delegation of 20 members from the League of Northern Democrats, led by former Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

To him, all of the country’s three major ethnic groups had, at one point, considered breaking away from the federation.

The Araba Movement

Obasanjo expressed his dismay over the frequent claims that the Igbo should be excluded from Nigeria’s presidency due to their involvement in the January 15, 1966, coup that led to the collapse of the First Republic.

Reflecting on history, Obasanjo recalled the North’s attempt to leave Nigeria through the “Araba” movement.

My Heart Bleeds 

He echoed the need for unity which according to him is what is needed to build a stronger Nigeria.

Did You Miss? Nigeria Has Become A Burial Ground Of Policies – Obasanjo

His words: “I think all of us in Nigeria have to rethink… It bleeds my heart when people say because the Igbo had carried out a secession, an Igbo man cannot be the president of Nigeria.

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“I say what nonsense? There is no section of Nigeria that has not planned a secession. What is ‘Araba’ in the North? The North planned to break up Nigeria. Ahmed Jooda, a very good friend of mine, said that.

“What is treasonable felony? So, who among us can say I am better than the other? None! So, let us put our heads together and build a country together,” Obasanjo remarked.

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