Igbos have been presidents, VPs – Bashir Ahmad on Nigeria’s leadership

A former media aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Bashir Ahmad, Monday, dispelled the notion that Igbos are systematically barred from leadership roles in Nigeria.

Ahmad recalled that Nnamdi Azikiwe was the first President of Nigeria after the country became a republic, adding that the tribe also produced the first Military Head of State, Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, after the Biafra Civil War.

Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, an Igbo, was Nigeria’s first President after Nigeria became a republic in 1963. His presidency is significant as it symbolizes the Igbo’s early involvement in the highest level of the country’s governance.

Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, an Igbo, became the first military head of state after a military coup in 1966. His leadership, although brief, further illustrates the Igbo’s role in Nigeria’s political landscape.

He was reacting to a remark by an X user, @Solomon_Buchi that Nigeria is not one, adding that Igbos should be allowed to rule the country.

Buchi had posted: “One Nigeria until it’s time for Igbo people to rule Nigeria. Please, Nigeria is not one; it has never been, and I’m beginning to believe that it will never be. Let Igbos be Igbos.”

Responding, the former presidential aide pointed out that Alex Ekwueme was once a Vice President to Shehu Shagari before the military overthrew their government.

Posting on X, Ahmad wrote: “Dr Alex Ekwueme, another Igbo, served as Vice President of Nigeria from 1979 to 1983 under President Shehu Shagari. His position as vice president underscores the continued political involvement of the Igbo in Nigeria.

“Senator Evan Enwerem, who was Igbo, was elected as the President of the Senate in 1999, marking the beginning of the Fourth Republic. This role placed an Igbo at the helm of one of Nigeria’s legislative chambers, highlighting their significant contribution to the country’s democracy.

“If the above submission does not dispel the notion that Igbos are systematically barred from leadership roles in Nigeria, then there is a serious problem.”