A former governor of Imo State, Senator Rochas Okorocha has stated that the Nigerian government needs to sympathise with the youth and address their grievances.
He also urged the South-East region to present a good reason why the nation should have an Igbo man as the next President in 2023.
He said though it is fair that the nation’s presidency should be zoned to the South, it is not formally written as it is based on a gentleman’s agreement.
Okorocha, the senator representing Imo West Senatorial District, said he supports the position of Southern governors that the country should be led by a Nigerian from the South in 2023.
The former governor disclosed this during ‘Conversation with Owelle Rochas Okorocha at 59 and Award of Icon of Service and Philanthropy,’ aired by Nigerian Television Authority and monitored by SaharaReporters on Monday.
“When IPOB started, they came to Imo State when I was the governor, but I listened to them and understood their grievances. They asked me to join them, and I told them if they can convince me to have another (Biafra country) passport, I will join.
“I could have asked my men to shoot them as they were killed in Okigwe and other states, but no. I had to listen to know what they were going through.
“That is how the Nigerian government should treat the youths, sympathise with them. Treat them well,” Okorocha said.
“I support the Southern governors on the issue of zoning the presidency and the next region is the South.
“We started with South-West when President Olusegun Obasanjo (became the president). Then we went back to the North when we had (Umaru) Yar’Adua. South again with Goodluck Jonathan, and now the North is having it with the incumbent President (Muhammadu Buhari). So, why would it be changed when it is the turn of the South again?
“It is a fair thing to do. If this is not done, then APC (All Progressives Congress) becomes a Northern party,” the senator said.
