Former Imo State Chief of Staff, Ugwumba Uche Nwosu, has called for strict adherence to the principle of rotational presidency, warning that any attempt to truncate the South’s ongoing tenure could endanger Nigeria’s stability.
Speaking during an interview with journalists, Nwosu stressed that the political arrangement which saw power shift to the South after President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year tenure must be respected in full.
“It would be a dangerous precedent if the South is denied its complete turn at leadership. President Bola Tinubu must be supported to finish his constitutionally guaranteed tenure in the spirit of fairness and national cohesion,” Nwosu declared.
According to him, Nigeria’s unity hinges on an unwritten agreement of equity among its diverse regions. Breaching that understanding, he warned, could lead to distrust, agitation, and avoidable tension.
“Today, the wounds of injustice are fresh across many parts of the country. If we cannot honour basic principles of fairness, we are only fanning the flames of division,” he said.
Nwosu, who also spoke extensively on national security, condemned the ongoing killings in states like Benue, Plateau, and Kwara, urging the federal government to prioritize identifying the root causes of insecurity. He advocated for stronger community-based intelligence systems involving traditional rulers and local leaders.
On the issue of citizens bearing arms, he firmly rejected the idea, warning that it would result in widespread chaos.
“More arms in the hands of civilians will not solve our problems. It will only multiply them. What we need is better policing, stronger border security, and deeper community engagement,” Nwosu stated.
Addressing the wave of defections across political parties, he dismissed fears of a one-party state but emphasized that changing political allegiance does not shield individuals from prosecution.
“Joining the ruling party does not cleanse anyone of pending corruption cases. The EFCC must continue its work without fear or favour,” he added.
Reiterating his belief in a Southern presidency, Nwosu insisted that the Southeast’s dream of producing a president remains valid but should come after President Tinubu’s full term.
“This is not the time to disrupt the balance. After the South completes its rightful tenure, we can then talk about the Southeast’s aspiration. Nigeria must move one step at a time,” he concluded.