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The desire of people of the South-South geo-political zone to produce the president of Nigeria in 2007 and the call by many Nigerians....
The desire of people of the South-South geo-political zone to produce the president of Nigeria in 2007 and the call by many Nigerians for Rivers State Governor, Dr Peter Odili to be the flag bearer re-echoed yesterday in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
Our correspondent reports that traffic was held up in major streets of Benin City following a peaceful rally embarked upon by people of Edo North Senatorial district in support of calls from well-meaning Nigerians for Governor Odili to accept to contest the 2007 presidential election.
The leader of the team, Alhaji Malik Ibrahim, who spoke with journalists after the street walk, said that the catalogue of achievements of Dr Peter Odili in Rivers State and his charisma unarguably makes him the only credible South-South candidate that could sustain the present democracy dividends in Nigeria.
Some of the placards carried by the Pro-Odili campaigners read, 'Dr Peter Odili you are our man, don't mind what the governor of Edo State is saying. He is on his own. We will support you with our life and blood. Please heed to the calling of the masses. If you don't have money, we will donate money for you. Peter is experienced in politics. He is aware of what we need in Niger Delta. He is the man for 2007."
The rally terminated at Ring Road popularly called King Square. Political leaders, men, women and youths who took part in the long walk also condemned the comment of Edo State Governor, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, who said some weeks ago that the South-South should forget about the presidency.
The crowd marched through the Oba of Benin's Palace to Dr S. O. Ogbemudia's house to governor's office and finally terminated at Ring Road.
Alhaji Ibrahim said that in two weeks time, they will storm Port Harcourt to finally call on the Governor of Rivers State, Dr Peter Odili to accept their call and endorsement as the next president of Nigeria come 2007.