Southern leaders demand political parties to zone 2023 Presidential ticket to region, condemn killings in N’West, separatist agenda

Leaders of various socio-cultural and political groups in the South of the country have insisted on power shift to the region ahead of the 2023 Presidential Elections, even as they also rejected the candidates fielded by the North to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari.

The meeting of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders’ Forum (SMBLF), which came up with the resolution, held, last Thursday, in Abuja under the Chairmanship of the Leader and Elder Statesman, Chief Dr. E. K. Clark.

A statement issued at the end meeting and signed by Chief Dr. E. K. Clark – Leader; Chief Ayo Adebanjo – Leader of Afenifere; Prof. George Obiozor – President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo; and Dr. Pogu Bitrus, the National President, Middle Belt Forum, also demanded the restructuring of the country, as it posited that ‘the extant Constitution and Structure of Nigeria are grossly flawed and lopsided.’

The meeting which extensively discussed various issues on the State of Affairs in the country, particularly, the security situation, Restructuring, preparations for the 2023 General Elections and Zoning, resolved to call on political parties in the country to zone their presidential candidates to the south.

Other resolutions reached at the meeting as follows;

“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’;

“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;

“That therefore, unequivocally and in full resolve, call on all political parties in the country to zone their presidential tickets to the south;

“Advices that any political party that does not zone its presidential ticket to the South should not expect support from the four regions;

“Notes that the basis of any viable democracy, especially in a diverse and complex country such as Nigeria, is fair and even sharing of power,” the group said.

Also, the forum condemned what it described as ‘senseless killings’ of innocent citizens across the country, especially in the north west zone by terrorists operating as bandits, as it called on the Federal Government and security agencies ‘to redouble efforts to safeguard the lives and property of Nigerians.’

The forum ‘calls on the government and security agencies to redouble efforts to safeguard the lives and property of Nigerians;

“Cautions 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.

“Urges Governors and members of the National Assembly of the four regions to commit themselves to the subject of Restructuring;

“Reaffirms commitment to the unity of Nigeria, situated on the tenets of Equity, Fairness, Justice, and the principle of federalism.”

In attendance at the meeting were delegations from the four regional socio-cultural organisations, including: Afenifere in the South West, Ohanaeze Ndigbo in the South East, Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) from the South-South and the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) in the Middle Belt.

The delegations were led by Chief Ayo Adebanjo, leader of Afenifere, Professor George Obiozor, President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr. Pogu Bitrus, President of the MBF and Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, National Chairman of PANDEF.

Also in attendance were former state governors, ministers, federal and state legislators, top politicians and professionals from the Southern and Middle Belt regions, including; Obong Victor Attah of Akwa Ibom, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Alaowei Broderick Bozimo, Senator Femi Okurounmu, Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu, Simon N. Okeke, Chief Supo Shonibare, Dr. Akin Fapohunda, Amb. Okey Emuchay, 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.