Ibadan — The South-West zone of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday endorsed the aspiration of President Goodluck Jonathan for the 2011 presidential polls. This position forms part of the communiqué of the meeting, read by the National vice chairman of the party for the South-West, Alhaji Tajudeen Oladipo.
Reviewing the political landscape, the forum which was chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, also resolved not to stop other aspirants jostling for the ticket of the party, saying they have the inalienable right to do so. The meeting took place at the Council Chambers of the old Western Region House of Chiefs, Ibadan.
It had in attendance, all the four governors elected on the party's platform; Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun), Olusegun Oni (Ekiti), Gbenga Daniel (Ogun) and the host Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala. Also present were elected members of the National Assembly, who were led by the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Mr. Dimeji Bankole (who left before the end of the meeting) as well as the Senate leader, Senator Teslim Folarin.
Others present include serving and former ministers, present and past deputy-governors, as well as party leadership from the zone.
Reading the communiqué that came shortly after the two-hour long meeting, Oladipo said the leadership of the party settled for the choice of Jonathan based on some set criteria bordering on transparency and antecedence.
"After the meeting, we collated all the views of the various party chieftains, studied, analyzed and assessed all the aspirants, based on their antecedents. After the exercise, we resolved to support the aspiration of President Jonathan as the best option open to the South-West," Oladipo said.
Further, he explained that all other aspirants jostling for the PDP's presidential ticket should feel free to pursue their aspiration as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution. "We equally recognize the right of every Nigerian to aspire to the highest position in the land. Other aspirants like former military president, Ibrahim Babangida, former vice president, Atiku Abubakar and others can go ahead with their aspiration," he explained.
The meeting also gave kudos to the executive and the legislative arms of government for providing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), with the requisite legal and financial assistance towards the forthcoming elections.
Speaking at the occasion, the President of the Ijaw National Congress, Dr. A.W Atuboyedia praised the gathering for the resolution taken, assuring that the president would justify the confidence reposed in him. He also used the occasion to advise other zonal chapters of the party to emulate the South-West PDP in adopting the Jonathan/Sambo ticket for the benefit of all Nigerians.
In his submission, representative of all the three zones of the North, Alhaji Bala Kaoje said the decision was reflective of the pacesetter role of the South-West in the nation's body polity.
Meanwhile, the former governor of Rivers State, sir, Celestine Omehia has said that Jonathan's presidential project is a divine one. Speaking with LEADERSHIP SUNDAY, Omehia stated that God had positioned him that way so that he would be of use to Nigerians.
He said: "Looking at Jonathan as a person, and looking at his growth in the system, you will see that he has been properly positioned by the will of God. By the power of God, I am happy that we are talking about this now when everybody believes that the will of God should be done".
The former governor added that, "it was the will of God that took Jonathan from deputy governor to governor, from vice president to acting president, and now president; therefore, the climax is that God must have something for him to do for the people of Nigeria and the four years should be given to him so, that we can see what God wants to use him for."
Omehia said there was no division among the South-South over President Jonathan's 2011 candidacy. He however promised that the zone would reach out to other zones, especially the north for support.
He posited: "looking at the past, the South-South has given the best support for the people in the north. Alhaji Shehu Shagari became president because of the heavy support from the people of the south, and president Umaru musa Yar'Adua became president because of the votes from the South-South."
However, in a swift reaction, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has said that although the north is committed to supporting the south, the zoning arrangement of the PDP stands.
Speaking through its publicity secretary, Anthony Sani, ACF stated: "We never said the north will not support the south; we are saying that this time around, it's the turn of the north to complete its eight years. If they are bringing a special request, if they want to negotiate it, then that is a different matter but for now, we are saying that the zoning arrangement stands.
"We are still very good friends inspite of everything. All we are saying is that, this is the turn of the north and it is not right to take advantage because you are incumbent to breach the agreement," he added.
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The endorsement of President Good Luck by South-West zone led by former president Obasanjo is matter of worrisome for the South East zone. This endorsement should not be taken lightly because it amounts to perpetuation of Obasanjo's policy against the Igbo.
Mr. Good Luck might be a good man but he is bounded by Obasanjo's quid pro quo otherwise hell break lose for Jonathan. Obasanjo has already painted a divisive picture when he told the Delta region that he is responsible for Jonathan's political growth and had he not crushed the Igbo this would not have happened.
How could Mr. Good Luck separate himself from Obasanjo when he feels that Jonathan owes him loyalty? Loyalty for Obasanjo is a total submission or else he would plot to either eliminate Jonathan or cause his down fall. This is a man who has subjected his wives and children to inconceivable hardship for speaking out and even had a conjugal relationship with his daughter in law as was exposed during the trial simply to hurt his son.
Unless there is an attainable commitment signed by Edwin Clarke and Jonathan that the Igbo will be fully well represented in his new administration other wise the Igbo is better off staying aloof or at best endorsing IBB even as an Independent. My fear is not about Jonathan but Edwin Clarke and Obasanjo because the duo hates the Igbo with passion but whereas they are dear to Jonathan. It is hard for Jonathan to be his own man under such circumstance
I definitely agree with you. Obasanjo rallying for Jonathan is very disturbing to me. This OBJ for God's sake should keep his ugly old face out of politics and allow young people to lead the country without his inputs/advice. I believe Mr. Jonathan is trying his best to think for himself, but obviously has to obey Mr. OBJ who is nothing but a bully and an intimidator. The country is cheering for Jonathan and holding their breath wishing for OBJ to back off. To Jonathan, please no photos with OBJ!!!! It is very annoying to see him hanging around photographs with Jonathan. May God bless us all. The Igbos shall overcome. It is a matter of time. For now Jonathan is the best the Igbos can hope for.
LOOK THE POINT IS CRYSTAL, THE WRITER IS AN IBB GUY AND I SHOULD TELL US, IF THIS SET OF GUYS SHOULD GET TO POWER AGAIN THE IBB ATIKU LIKE, THE GUY AND HIS FAMILY WILL BE PART THAT WILL SUFFER IT, OLORIBURUKU OMO YIBO, OWO LOMA PAE, EVEN IF YOU ARE CLUELESS MUST YOU TALK, IF NOT FOR GOD, (OBASANJO LIKE PEOPLE) WAHALAI, JONATHAN WOULD HAVE NEVER GOT THERE IN THE PRESENCE OF THE GIANT NORTHS, I DONT EVEN KNOW WHETHER THE GUY IS SHORT TERMED MEMORY, OR BECAUSE OF BEING PAID, OBASANJO MAY NOT BE VERY TOO GOOD ACCORDING TO SO MANY BUT TO ME HE IS NOT THAT BAD, GOD WILL JUDGE US ALL ANYWAY BUT IF THE SOUTH-EAST AND THE SOUTH LET THIS OPPROTUNITY PASS THEM BY IT MAY NEVER COME AGAIN AT LEAST NOW, SO I MUST SAY, OBASANJO HAS TAILORED SO MANY GOOD STRIDE IN THIS COUNTRY THAT THOSE GUYS UP THERE HAVE ALWAYS LATER COME TO SQUANDERED, THEY DONT KNOW HOW TO DO IT, THEY ARE LAZY.
ITS GOING TO EVEN BE THEIR KEY TO KILL HIM BUT GOD WILL NEVER LET THAT HAPPEN, JOURNALISM IS JUST AN INSTRUMENT FOR PROPAGANDA.
SO MANY MEDIA GUYS WE HAVE IN THIS COUNTRY THAT ARE GOOD ARE IGBOS AND YORUBAS OR LETS SAY FROM THE SOUTH THERE, BUT I TELL YOU THSES GUYS WILL DO ANYTHING FOR MONEY. MAY GOD HELP THIS COUNTRY.
MAY HE LIVE LONG OBJ MAY WE LIVE LONG TOO AND NIGERIA