By Ovie Okpare
Ahead of the 2023 general elections, politicians from the southern region of Nigeria have been warned not to be lured into taking either vice presidential or party chairmanship positions to scuttle the chances of the region for producing President Muhammadu Buhari’s successor.
The leaders under the aegis of Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) said the rotation formula should remained intact and demanded that presidency should rotate to the South in 2023 general elections.
In a communique issued on Sunday by the forum, SMBLF expressed concerns that the 2023 general election may not hold if the rising spate of insecurity across the country was not currently tackled by President Buhari-led administration.
The communique was signed by the forum’s leader, Chief E. K. Clark, Chief Ayo Adebanjo (Afenifere leader), Prof George Obiozor (President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide), Dr. Pogu Bitrus (National President, Middle Belt Forum) and Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien (National Chairman PANDEF).
ALSO READ: Tension In N/Delta As Tompolo Gives FG 7-Day Ultimatum To Inaugurate New NDDC Board
The meeting which was attended by former Governors, Ministers and Members of the National Assembly, from the respective Zones, also demanded for the restructuring of the nation and urgent birthing of a new constitution for the country.
“Arising therefrom, the Meeting resolved as follows: Urges the Federal Government to heed the genuine and reasonable nationwide calls for a transparent National Dialogue, and take urgent steps towards restructuring and birthing a new Constitution; to bring back equitable harmony to the Country;
“Insists that it is imperative to immediately restructure the country considering the precarious prevailing atmosphere before any further elections.
“Reminds all leading political parties, especially the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and other political parties, that the basis of any viable democracy, especially in a diverse and complex country such as Nigeria, rests in fair and even sharing of power.
“Notes that the Northern part of the Country would have fully enjoyed the Office of the Presidency, for the full statutory period of 8 years by 2023, hence, should yield to the South”, the communique partly read.
While demanding for the presidency to be zoned to the region, the leaders called on the two leading political parties – All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) – to pick their candidates from the region.
According to it, “Unequivocally and in full resolve, calls on the APC and PDP and other political parties to zone the Presidency, in 2023 to the South; at the next election.
“Enjoins political stakeholders from the South not to be lured into the unpatriotic step of seeking such other positions as National Chairmen and Vice President of the main political parties, but join forces to demand and ensure that the Presidency moves to the South in 2023.
YOU MAY ALSO READ: Gunmen Storm Islamic School, Abduct Many Students In Niger State
“Calls on the Federal Government to declare a national emergency on security and urgently come up with proactive strategies to restore peace and security to all parts of the country.
“Emphasizes that, if the security situation is not dealt with and banditry stopped or reduced to the barest minimum, it would not be feasible to have proper elections in 2023.
“Condemns the cavalier attitude of the federal government towards the resolutions of the Governors of Southern States at their Meeting, held in Asaba, Delta State on 11th May 2021; as it pertains to ban on open grazing and restructuring.
“Insists that cattle rearing is a generally, private business enterprise, as such, the Federal Government should avoid committing state resources to promote any particular business, beyond providing the enabling environment, in the performance of its regulatory roles.
“Extends condolences to the families of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru, and 10 other military personnel, who died in the unfortunate military plane crash on 21st May 2021, and calls on the military authorities to carry out a thorough investigation to ascertain the actual cause of the crash.
“Reaffirms its commitment to the unity of Nigeria, but must only be sustained on the principles of Equity, Fairness and Justice.”
