Prominent groups from the Southeast Nigeria led by the Chairman of Board of Trustees
Igbo Think Tank Prof. Madubuike Ezeibe, has urged the five Peoples Democratic party governors led by the Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike, to adopt the presidential candidate of the Labour Party Mr Peter Obi, as their preferred candidate for 2023 presidential election.
Ezeibe, a renowned professor from Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike said the group popularly known as G-5 will be making the right decision for Nigeria if they adopt Peter Obi, given his acceptance by Nigerians.
He made this known on Wednesday during the 4th Edition of the Igbo International Christmas Retreat organized by the Igbo Think Tank and Nzuko Ndigbo held at Aguiyi Ironsi conference center Umuahia,Abia state capital.
He said Obi, remains the most favoured in the presidential candidate in the 2023 general based on the qualities Nigerians are looking for in a future president.
He said, “We are Igbo and have to promote our own , think of age, mental capability, he is far ahead of others .
“We are insisting that Nigeria should support a president of Nigeria of South-East extraction.
“In 1999 the current political dispensation with Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, then we went to North with former president Musa Yaradu, unfortunately he died and former president Goodluck Jonathan completed his termure
that was when power went back to North again for them to complete their turn and the president administration has done that .
“We are saying that the Igbos should be supported to produce a president.
“I’m advising the G-5 governors to adopt Obi, because he was formerly of the PDP, if the G-5 adopt him and PDP National Assembly members accept to work with him if wins the election, that means the G5 has won because they will succeed in bringing the presidency to South, while the chairmanship of the party can remain in North. That’s a clever way of getting what they want
“If they made the mistake by not adopting him and move to another party,it will be a disservice to Nigerians”
In their communique issued after the retreat,” The retreat observed that while insecurity in other parts of the country has criminality or religious extremism as background,that of Southeast has coloration of protest against government policies. The retreat appeals to the Federal government to reverse all policies that discriminate against people of any zone of the country.
” The retreat noted that frequent killing of Igbos in other parts of Nigeria is due to jealousy made worse by attitude of some Igbos who are arrogant and boastful.
” It was noted that Igbos are very good at hosting visitors ,so it was resolved to pursue policies that will make most Igbos remain at home while attracting other Nigerians to Igbo land so that Igbos can treat them nicely.
” The retreat observed that leaving the Southeast with only 5 states and 95 LGAs amounts to marginalization and is helping the agitators in their campaign , called for additional Southeast state as recommended by the 2014 National conference.
“The retreat therefore ,appeals to all Nigerians to vote the Labour party presidential candidate,Peter Obi ,as proof that Igbos have equality with other Nigerians”
In a remark the Local Organizing Chairman of the retreat/Leader, Nzuko Ndigbo,Mazi Chuks Ibegbu, revealed that the retreat provides all Igbo speaking Nigerian within and outside the South East geo- political zones the opportunity to discuss issues affecting them in Nigeria.
He lauded the Abia state Governor Dr Okezie Ikpeazu for facilitating the 4th edition of the retreat in Abia state.
