Igbo political and traditional rulers from the South East geopolitical zone have asked the people interested in the pursuit of presidential ambitions on any political platform to carry on.
The leaders aired this out, yesterday, at the Greater Nigeria Conference, in Abuja. The event is an enterprise of an Igbo think-tank, Nzuko Umunna. The event also won the commitment of all groups based in, or who has a link to the South East.
In a bulletin released at the closure of the event and signed by the Chairman, Okwy Nwodo, the leaders agreed “on zoning, saying it is gem, as zoning has favored many other regions.
“We recognize that zoning is legal, as the Federal Character Principle is enshrined in the constitution. We have agreed that the goals of all presidential aspirants of South East extraction will be backed, irrespective of party.
“We have also concluded that for equity, fairness and inclusion, it is advisable that all political parties should zone the presidency to the South East.
“We are grateful for the support of other geopolitical zones in their mission for the presidency of Nigeria is being reciprocated in the recent quest for a president of South East extraction.
“We resolved that a president from the South East will reawaken unity, peace and progress in Nigeria and, being grounded on justice, equity and fair play, will help to put out all manners of agitation in the Nigerian state.
“Citizens of the South East, across all parties, have to work in unity to manifest the objective of a president from the South East in 2023.
“The people of the South East encourages all South East people to work in unity and andand togetherness to promote these resolutions.”
Chairman of the occasion was Idu Igariwey and the Chief Host was the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, George Obiozor. Presidential aspirants from South East were at the event. The special guests of honour were Edwin Kaigbodo Clark, Pan Niger Delta Forum leader, and Ayo Adebanjo, leader of Afenifere.
The royal father of the day was Cletus Ilomuanya, Obi of Obinigwu while the keynote speaker was Bitrus Pogu, president of the Middle Best Forum.
Okwesilieze Nwodo is the chairman of the Greater Nigerian Conference Planning Committee, supported by his deputy, Victor Umeh while Chris Anyanwu gave the welcome address.
