Posted by By MODESTUS CHUKWULAKA, Abuja on
Prominent political leaders from the South-East met in Abuja weekend to explore the possibility of getting the zone to produce a consensus candidate for the post of national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Prominent political leaders from the South-East met in Abuja weekend to explore the possibility of getting the zone to produce a consensus candidate for the post of national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The meeting followed the growing number of politicians from the zone who have indicated interest in the position zoned to the South-East by the ruling party. Among those jostling for the position are Chief Rochas Okorocha, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, Dr. Sam Egwu and Chief Chyna Iwuanyanwu.
The forum said the zone must be allowed to produce a quality chairman for the PDP who will promote the ideals of democracy and good governance anchored on justice, fairness, equity, noting that if the zone did not pursue its interest collectively, its fortunes would dip further.
According to the organizers, the forum, chaired by the former chairman of Police Service Commission, took some far-reaching decisions on the political situation in the South-East, noting that the zone had suffered image problems over the years and called for measures to address the problem.
It said the political fortunes of the zone had dwindled under the present political dispensation. It decried the decision of the National Executive Committee of the PDP to postpone the party's national convention to December.
Describing this as unfair, inequitable and unjust, the South-East leaders said under the arrangement, the zone could not participate in the configuration of the Yar'Adua administration since, by December, all appointments would have been completed without input from the zone.
Pledging to work towards the emergence of a consensus candidate for the chairmanship position, after due consultation with the leadership of the PDP, the forum warned the contestants against subverting the interest of the South-East or conducting themselves in any manner that would compromise the political interest of the zone.
One of the aspirants, Chief Iwuanyanwu, who addressed the forum decried the quality of leadership emanating from the South-East zone and called for new leadership orientation and tendencies in order for the zone to rise to its deserved prominence in the nation's political affairs.
Iwuanyanwu, who made a case for paradigm shift in the South-East zone, is said to be enjoying the support of independent minded elements within and outside the zone.