By Chinelo Obogo, Lagos
The President of the Nigeria Union in Japan, Kennedy Nnaji, has declared his intention to run for president in 2023.
Nnaji, who is the patron of the Sports Writer’s Association of Nigeria, (SWAN), Lagos chapter, made the declaration via a statement to the media on Monday.
The 53-year-old businessman from Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State said his decision to run for office is borne out of the need to bring his experiences in the diaspora to bear on Nigeria.
The presidential hopeful who said he would announce the platform for his aspiration soon, also said that time has come for Nigerians to try fresh ideas from the diaspora for top political offices. He said that he would not only bring his experiences into Nigeria but would unify the nation the way he unified all Nigerians resident in Japan.
‘There are discordant voices among Nigerians fueled by selfish persons. No country can grow in an atmosphere of disunity. Nigerians must see themselves as one for the country to move to greater heights. I intend to come in to create harmonious relationships among Nigerians.
‘My intention is to make Nigeria the best and safest nation that can compete with other nations of the world, where merit and accountability, not tribe will be supreme. As a detribalised Nigerian, part of my unification mission will be retaining our diverse cultures, not as tribes but as Nigerians that we will sell to the world,’ he said.
Nnaji, who is currently the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of Japan-Nigeria Direct Inc and was also a former patron of Supporters Club, Japan, said he is not intimidated by any aspirant because of his pedigree and experience would lend credence to his aspiration.