Posted by thephctelegraph on
As Nigerians search for a suitable successor to President Olusegun Obasanjo, the people of Okrika in Rivers State have joined other Nigerians....
As Nigerians search for a suitable successor to President Olusegun Obasanjo, the people of Okrika in Rivers State have joined other Nigerians to demand for a South-South Presidency with Governor Peter Odili as the most qualified for the Presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2007.
Speaking during a solidarity visit to the Governor at Government House, Port Harcourt last Tuesday Hon. George Sekibo said the people are calling on Dr Odili to declare to run for Presidency, based on his outstanding track records of performance in governance of Rivers State in the last seven years.
The Wakirike people said they are not new converts to the Dr Odili visionary politics and can attest to his political profile, as well as his achievements in building significant bridges across the various political zones and ethnic divides in the country, and a huge international image that has constantly brought glory to the State and Nigeria.
"Our request for you to run for President may seem parochial and selfish, but we shall not be ashamed to declare that you have the capacity to render quality service to this nation", Hon. Sekibo said, stressing that the Presidential cap fits Governor Odili well, and urged him to take-up the mantle to strengthen the democratic values of the nation.
He observed that the South-South zone deserves the Presidency as of right because it is the only zone in the country that has not been given the opportunity to rule the country, despite the existence of best human resources from the zone that can manage the wealth of the nation judiciously.
According to the people, "with the quality leadership you have exhibited in the past seven years, a South-South President in you, would be able to accommodate the interests of all ethnic groups and preserve their rights" and therefore charge him to take. the challenge of consolidating the gains of the reform programmes put in place by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.
Responding, the Rivers State Governor, Dr Peter Odili, thanked them for the visit which has rekindled the relationship established since the days he served as Deputy Governor to their son, Chief Rufus Ada-George.
Dr Odili noted that the turn-out at the visit shows that the people have put aside their differences, emphasizing that what is required to move the area forward is unity, love for one another, and understanding, as the people have abundant human and material resources.
The Governor announced the granting of 20 special oversea scholarships in oil and gas studies, for students from the area, and directed the Chiefs and Community leaders to articulate new projects for execution within the lifespan of the present administration.
Dr Odili urged them to use the visit as an avenue for anew beginning to move their ethnic nationality forward, adding that peace is required for them to catch up with the development pace of the state.
Earlier, Youths and women groups from Okrika had marched through the major streets in Port Harcourt, before terminating at the Government House square where the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Magnus Abe promised to deliver their solidarity message to the Governor.