By AbdulSalam Muhammad
Chief Chris Azuka, though an Igbo is Special Adviser to Governor Ibrahim Shekarau of Kano State on Inter Community Relations. In this interview with Saturday Vanguard, the Igbo High Chief bares his mind on topical issues

On Igbo presidency

It’s a very complex issue because there was a PDP arrangement that appears not to be working for now and this is where we came in . The questions are: how do  the Igbos intend to get the seat.in 2015?. Is it through zoning? If the Igbos are saying 2015 is our time, how do they intend to actualize it? They have to be  tactful, very honest’ in what they choose to do. As it stands now some are drumming support for Jonathan; some are saying we are going with Atiku. There is confusion.

They have not been able to speak with one voice on this issue. There have not been proper consultations on this issue. Majority of prominent Igbo politician were rooting for IBB, now Atiku. Ojukwu is not happy with Ohaneze over the endorsement of Jonathan. If we are not united to play the right game you ask how do we intend to capture power at the centre be it 2015 or beyond. That is the problem we are facing now as a people..

On Shekarau’s bid for Aso Rock.

Majority of Igbos at home and in the Diaspora support Shekarau presidential bid for what he represents, that is good governance. The Igbos know that good governance is the key to prosperity and progress. Every group not just the Igbos want Shekarau to be President because its going to benefit all. You will agree with me that with good governance every segment of this country will change, good governance is infectious; it has no tribal or ethnic face. For now, Shekarau represents the best for Nigeria because of his proven track record, and that is why the Igbos are united

behind him. The Igbos want an honest leader; someone who will keep his words and will deliver, not power mongers who have never kept their words in the past. Shekarau has brought stability to Kano and he will repeat same if given the opportunity to rule the country.

Any deal with Shekarau?

As far as I know there is no deal with him, but you know he is a man who loves justice and fairness and if what the Igbos want is what we can call justice or about justice they are sure they will get it from Shekarau. Shekarau stands for justice, fairness, equality. Those who make or reach agreement on issues are not always sincere, they are propagandists.

Nigerians need a leader with good antecedents. The issue is simple: Shekarau will give Igbos both justice, and fairness because they deserve it.  Supporting Shekarau means transformation of Igboland because there will be good governance. Igbos will be comfortable with Shekarau

On Igbo crisis in Kano

It has been an interesting challenge this past years When I started  as Special Adviser,  my own constituency was in total disarray. I inherited an Igbo community that was on the verge of total disintegration. There was no leadership, no focus and no direction. I thank God I have been able to build a new community from the scratch with elected leadership and accept traditional rule in Kano and elsewhere.  Onyendu Ndigbo was confirmed by the South East Traditional rulers and endorsed by the Emir of Kano, and Governor Ibrahim Shekarau. I have also given them a new sense of direction. We have cohesion now and there is peace among the Igbos in Kano .

On the splinter group

All over the world there is no place where you have total support of people supporting a particular initiative , and there is no place in the world where there is comprehensive peace. My concern is to set a virile community that could be useful to themselves and their host community. You should not expect every Igbo man in Kano to accept what we have done because it is just natural to be so, but  the overwhelming majority of our people are with us.

The highest traditional authority for the Igbos both at home and in Diaspora are with us, the South East Governors Forum, and the Ohaneze Ndigbo are with us. We can’t force anyone to accept what is right but you should understand dissident elements exist in every society. They are allowed to operate freely while the majority have their way. I have proved a point that Igbo community in Kano is not peopled by trouble makers or rascals.