By Eseoghene Emuke
Former Niger Delta agitators of Ijaw extraction have endorsed the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, saying that they would mobilise support for his victory in the forthcoming general elections.
The ex-agitator under the aegis of Egbesu Generals (EG) with members drawn from all the states of the Niger Delta region said their choice of Atiku was based on the experience of Nigerians under the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC government.
Their endorsement was contained in a communique signed by its leader and Chairman of EG, Freedom Adowei, and other leaders from the various states, including, Philip Angbaloku (Bayelsa), Agbalakoko Oweibote (Ondo), Goodguy Akeren (Rivers), Oputen Perejitei (Edo) and Ingologbene Efiong (Cross River).
It should be pointed out that the over 50 Egbesu Generalsenerals, also known as the Egbesu Disciples and former warlords are drawn from all the Niger Delta states.
It stated that their decision followed a meeting of the group also attended by over 50 Egbesu Generals, also known as the Egbesu Disciples and former warlords are drawn from all the Niger Delta states.
The communiqué said the ex-agitators at the meeting affirmed the decision earlier made to support the PDP presidential candidate and his running mate, adding that after an appraisal of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, Atiku remained the only popular option left for Nigeria to work.
It, however, further stated that it will not renege on its support for the Atiku/Obi ticket, adding that it will embark on house to house campaign to woo voters for the PDP presidential candidates in all the states of the Niger Delta region.
“Nigerians are dying silently and openly from hardship that has been imposed by this administration and the only way to end this hardship is to bring a more people-friendly administration under Atiku and Obi”, he said.
The group also called on the dreaded terror group, Boko Haram, to stop the killing of Nigerian soldiers and innocent civilians, stressing that the soldiers are defenders of the country from external invaders.
It called on the terror group to ceasefire and embrace peace by dropping arms like the Niger Delta ex-agitators in 2009, stressing “the one Nigeria that we seek can only be achieved through peaceful coexistence among tribes and religion.”
We don’t need Atiku…. They are all self centered… Bad leaders