Posted by By DENNIS MERNYI, Abuja on
Elder statesman and leader of South-South Peoples Assembly (SSPA), Chief Edwin Clark, has given assurance that the South-South region will throw its weight behind frontline People's Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant, Dr. Mohammed Buba Marwa should the zone fail in its bid to pick the presidential ticket of the party.
Elder statesman and leader of South-South Peoples Assembly (SSPA), Chief Edwin Clark, has given assurance that the South-South region will throw its weight behind frontline People's Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant, Dr. Mohammed Buba Marwa should the zone fail in its bid to pick the presidential ticket of the party.
Clark, who stated this in Kiagodo, while receiving Marwa and members of his campaign team, said Marwa was the region's plan B for the 2007 presidential race.
'If it is not the wish of God that a South South man will pick the ticket, he (Marwa) will be our next option. All we are doing at the moment is to try our best, God already knows the next president. Your achievement in Borno and Lagos Sates are there for anybody to see. Action speaks louder than voice," Clark said.
He said some of the those who have indicated interest to contest the presidential race of PDP are not fit to be council chairmen, adding that Marwa is however, eminently qualified to lead the country.
'On your part, you have everything, all qualities to be our next president. You have the personality, honour, integrity, good record and public service. We know all you did in Lagos. We recognize your qualities," the First Republic information minister stated.
According to him, Marwa has been sympathetic to the plight of the Niger Delta people, adding that his contribution towards the victims of Jesse fire disaster was commendable. He also commended Marwa for his philanthropic gesture through his Buba Marwa Foundation.
He pleaded with the presidential aspirant not to exclude the riverine areas in the scheme of things when he finally becomes president in 2007.
Earlier in his address, Dr Marwa described himself as the friend of Niger Delta, having served in the area as a young military officer.
He commended President Olusegun Obasanjo's efforts to resolve the crisis in the region, and promised to improve upon it.
Marwa said his achievements in Borno and Lagos states, where he served as governor will be expanded to give Nigerians a new lease of life.
The PDP presidential hopeful said his focus will be on stability of power supply, security of life and property, qualitative education, improved health care delivery system and efficient transportation system.
At the palace of Asagba of Asaba, Prof Cornelius Edosien, Marwa promised to ensure even development in all parts of the country.