INSISTS ON EQUITY, FAIRNESS, JUSTICE
South East zone under the agies of the 2022 Greater Nigeria Conference, on Monday, reached a critical resolution ahead of the political parties’ primary elections for the presidental candidates.
The Conference which took place at the International Conference Center, Abuja, with the theme; “TOGETHER WE CAN”, is an initiative of an Igbo think tank, ‘Nzuko Umunna’, which received total buy-in from all groups based in, or linked to the South East.
The Conference was conveyed by the South East stakeholders, professional bodies, academia and their political class seek to demand from all the political parties to zone their presidency to the South East extraction.
In a communiqué signed by the Chairman of the GNC, Dr Okwy Nwodo and Secretary Lolo Golda Obi, andreleased by the forum, the South East zone said the purpose of the Conference was for leaders of the South East and friends of the South East to come together and make case for all political parties in Nigeria to zone their presidential aspirants to South East Nigeria.
According to the communique, the group noted that the zone is committed to the unity of the country adding that the region is united in supporting the ambitions of their sons and daughters aspiring to be the President of Nigeria.
In it’s nine point observation, the Conference stated that the zone has supported other regions in their quests to rule Nigeria.
According to the organization in their communique, the zone stands for equity, fairness, justice expressing that all political parties should zone the presidency to the South East.
“The South East of Nigeria is fully committed to the unity of NigeriaThe South East of Nigeria is united in supporting the ambitions of its sons and daughters aspiring to be the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The South East has supported other regions in their quests for the Presidency of Nigeria.For equity, fairness and inclusion, all political parties should zone the Presidency to the South East.
“The general insecurity in the country is a grave cause for concern. The South East of Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to full, free, fair and credible elections, devoid of violence.
“The South East of Nigeria is committed to the peaceful and non-violent resolution of all issues.Other geopolitical zones stand with the South East in its quest to produce the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria come 2023.” The communiqué reads.
The communiqué further disclosed that the zone has credible and qualified aspirants who compare comfortably and favourably with the best from other geopolitical zones.
“The aspirants from the South East clearly demonstrated their capacity, patriotism and passion to govern Nigeria at the GNC Conference.” The communique observed.
Meanwhile, the GNC reaffirms its commitment to the unity of Nigeria, as embodied in the theme of the Conference: “Together we can.”
It resolved that zoning matters, stating that other regions have benefited from zoning.
According to the GNC, zoning is legal, as the Federal Character Principle is enshrined in the Constitution and therefore resolved that the ambitions of all Presidential aspirants of South East extraction will be supported, regardless of party.
“The GNC resolved that for equity, fairness and inclusion, it is right that all political parties should zone the Presidency to the South East.
“GNC appreciates that its support to other geopolitical zones in their quest for the Presidency of Nigeria is being reciprocated in the current quest for a President of South East extraction.
“GNC resolves that a president from the South East will usher in unity, peace and progress in Nigeria and, being grounded on justice, equity and fair play, will help to douse all manners of agitation in the Nigerian state.
“That citizens of the South East , across all parties will work in unity to achieve the objective of a President from the South East in 2023″The people of the South East encourages all South Easterners to work in unity and togetherness to promote these resolutions.” The GNC stated it’s communiqué
The event was attended by prominent Igbo sons and daughters from all hue of the political divides.
The Chairman of the occasion, Dr Idu Igariwey and the chief host was the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Professor George Obiozor.
The Presidential aspirants from South East Nigeria were present at the event while the Special Guests of Honour were Chief Edwin Kaigbodo Clark, leader of PANDEF and Pa Ayo Adebanjo, leader of Afenifere. The Royal Father of the Day was Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, Obi of Obinigwu. The Keynote Speaker was Dr Bitrus Pogu, President of the Middle Best Forum while His Excellency Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo was the Chairman of the GNC Planning Committee, and supported by his deputy, Senator Victor Umeh. Senator Chris Anyanwu gave the Welcome Address.
The GNC, however, commended, Chief Edwin Clark,Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Dr Pogu Bitrus, Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF),Afenifere and the Middle Belt Forum, for their support and brotherly concern towards actualising the Igbo presidency project.
