Politics
…says it will not support political parties that won’t zone presidential position to the region
By Anthony isibor
THE Southern and Middle Belt Leaders’ forum has unequivocally, and in full resolve, called on all political parties in the country to zone their presidential tickets to the south.
The call was contained in a communique issued by the forum at the end of a meeting held recently in Abuja under the chairmanship of Dr. E. K. Clark.
The meeting which was convened to discuss various issues on the State of Affairs in the country, particularly, the security situation, restructuring, preparations for the 2023 General Elections and Zoning, had delegations from the four regional socio-cultural organisations, that’s: Afenifere for the South West, Ohanaeze Ndigbo for the South East, Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) for the South-South and the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) for the Middle Belt in attendance.
While the South West delegation was led by Ayo Adebanjo, the South East was led by Professor George Obiozor, president-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Middle Belt by Pogu Bitrus, president of the Middle Belt Forum, while Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, national chairman of Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, led the South-South delegation.
At the end of the meeting, the delegates while reaffirming commitment to the unity of Nigeria, situated on the tenets of Equity, Fairness, Justice, and the principle of federalism unequivocally, and in full resolve, call on all political parties in the country to zone their presidential tickets to the south.
The forum noted that “The northern part of the country would have fully enjoyed the Office of the Presidency of the country for the full statutory period of 8 years by 2023, hence, the presidency should rotate to the South.
“Therefore, unequivocally, and in full resolve, call on all political parties in the country to zone their presidential tickets to the south, it said.
They also urged the “Governors and members of the National Assembly of the four regions to commit themselves to the subject of restructuring.
“That the extant Constitution and Structure of Nigeria are grossly flawed and lopsided, accordingly, Forum restates its demand for the fundamental restructuring of the country by enacting a new Constitution that would enthrone equity, fairness and justice.*It must be One Nation, One System.
It said “That the basis of any viable democracy, especially in a diverse and complex country such as Nigeria, is fair and even sharing of power.
While, also, cautioning the National Assembly “To only give consideration to Bills that would promote equity, justice, peace and national cohesion instead of issues that will exacerbate conflicts and crisis in the country.
The forum also used the opportunity to “Condemn the continued senseless killings of innocent citizens across the country by terrorists and criminals, especially in the North West Zone; calls on the government and security agencies to redouble efforts to safeguard the lives and property of Nigerians.
Also in attendance were former Governors, Ministers, federal and state legislators, top politicians and professionals from the Southern and Middle Belt regions, including His Excellency, Obong Victor Attah, former Governor of Akwa Ibom, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Alaowei Broderick Bozimo, Senator Femi Okurounmu, Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu, Simon N. Okeke, OFR, Chief Supo Shonibare, Akin Fapohunda, Amb. Okey Emuchay, MFR, Senator Bassey Ewa Henshaw, Prof. G. G. Darah, Solomon Asemota, SAN, Dr. Alex Ogbonna, Mr. Mac Emakpore, Chief Douyi Douglas-Naingba, Mrs. Nella Andem-Rabana, SAN, Prof. Mrs. Chinwe Obaji, Maj. Gen. Henry Ayoola (Rtd), Engr. Ben Akaakar, Dr. Ebun Sonaiya, Comrade Jare Ajayi and Ken Robinson, among others.
-Jan. 16, 2022 @ 03:45 GMT |
A.I
Tags: Ayo Adebanjo Dr EK Clark. poju Bitrus Prof George Obiozor Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien
