2023 Presidency: South-East PDP leaders endorse Anyim

[From CHINEDU NWAFOR, Abakaliki]

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders from the five South-East states on Thursday endorsed the presidential ambition of the former Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Anyim Pius Anyim, ahead of 2023 general elections.

This was contained in a resolution signed by Senator T.A Orji and Chief Duru Ihe-oma (SAN), the Chairman and Secretary of the Session, respectively, held at Best Western Hotel, Enugu.

The attendees to the meeting were PDP Zonal and State Executives of the Party as well as select political leaders and elders from across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States, that make of the South-East zone.

The meeting which was tagged; “South East Briefing and Consultative Session” was held at the instance of Anyim, a former President of the Nigeria Senate, to brief leaders of the party in the zone on how far he had gone with his nationwide consultation over his presidential ambition.

As part of the resolution, the PDP leaders also appealed to the PDP to zone their presidential ticket to the South East zone, in the interest of equity, justice and harmonious national cohesion.

“The people of the South East geo political zone have earned the right to occupy the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2023 on account of their eminent qualifications and overwhelming contributions to the development of all parts of the federation through the years.  

“We further reiterate that the choice of a South East citizen as presidential candidate of the party in 2023 will guarantee to every Nigerian a sense of equity, justice and inclusion in the management of the affairs of the nation.  In our view, this is the best way of ensuring that we build a nation that leaves no one or group behind,” the leaders said.

The leaders commended Senator Anyim for making himself available to contest the office of the president of the country.

“On account of the foregoing, we congratulate Senator Anyim Pius Anyim for the patriotism of his decision to offer himself for national service by aspiring to contest in the 2023 Presidential race. We take due cognizance of his precious record of distinguished and unblemished service as President of the Senate and Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

“In these positions, he distinguished himself as a detribalized statesman, consensus builder and true nationalist. We, therefore, unanimously endorse his aspiration with all conviction and enthusiasm and eagerly recommend him to the rest of the nation as a worthy leader who will pilot the affairs of the nation towards greater security, unity and prosperity for all citizens. 

“In furtherance of the foregoing, we hereby oblige Senator Anyim his request that we all join him to persuade and reassure every part of the country to do justice to the South East and thereby promote equity and justice as core values of our nation.

“In assuring Senator Anyim of our support for his aspiration, we wish to also extend the same hand of support and solidarity to all qualified and deserving sons and daughters of our zone with similar aspiration and who reach out to us as Senator Anyim has done, the PDP leaders noted.

They further Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State for what they described as their outstanding leadership of the PDP in the South East Zone and their clear articulation of the interests of the zone at all platforms and organs of the party. 

Earlier, Senator Anyim told the gathering of the PDP leaders in his address, said he had consulted widely, adding, “the purpose of the consultation is to gauge the mood of the nation, seek counsel, blessing and listen to leaders and elders on their perspectives on the way forward for our country. That is why I am here before you today my own people.”

While announcing his preparedness to occupy the number one political seat of Nigeria, Anyim said, “I am convinced with due modesty, that I am willing and available, ready and equipped, by experience and exposure, temperament and humility, capacity and competence to serve Nigeria at this point in time as her President.”

Anyim further added, “From my consultations so far, I am glad to report that the responses have been overwhelmingly encouraging and inspiring. Above all, I am also happy to report that the mood of the nation favours the rotation of the Presidency to Southern Nigeria. It is also to my knowledge that the South East stakeholders have repeatedly made the case for zoning the Presidency to the South East, for equity and fairness.”