Victor EzejaAs the 2023 general elections approach, Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has endorsed the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, saying he “stands out” amongst other candidates in terms of what Nigerians need at the moment.
The Forum gave the endorsement at an extraordinary meeting of the leaders in Abuja on Thursday, February 2, 2023.
The Forum comprises constituent organisations like Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), led by Chief Edwin Clark for the South-South; Afenifere, led by Ayo Adebanjo for the South West; Ohanaeze Ndigbo for the Southeast and Middle Forum for the Middle Belt.
According to a communiqué issued by the Forum signed by Clark, Adebanjo, Dr Pogu Bitrus, National President of Middle Belt Forum, Dame Betty Igbeyi, National Woman Leader of PANDEF, Amb. Okey Emuchay, Secretary-General, Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, the meeting deliberated extensively on the State of the Nation and the 2023 General Elections as well as other worrisome issues such as the scarcity of new naira notes, the fuel crisis, and problems with PVC collection.
The group said that by May 29, President Muhammadu Buhari would have completed eight years and since he is from the north, the seat of power should shift to the South in the interest of fairness, noting that fair and even share of power is the basis of any viable democracy, especially in a diverse and complex country like Nigeria.
The group said without equivocation that the leaders believe that Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, “stands out amongst the presidential candidates in terms of credibility, integrity, competence, and national outlook,” and urged Nigerians to turn out en mass on the election day to vote for him.
It said: “the forum believes that Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) represents the Nigerian conscience, moral probity, generational hope, and redemption epiphany, among others.
“Nigeria is at an unprecedented threshold, ensnared by a myriad of problems and teter Obi, and his running mate, Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, is the answer!”
It said that Nigerians who believe in the unity, peace stability and development of the country should embrace Obi’s candidacy.
The Forum cautioned political stakeholders, particularly the candidates and their supporters.to shin all acts of violence before, during, and after the elections. “Let us give peace a chance; Nigeria is our country, and we do not have any other.”
It further warned that any attempt to sabotage “the 2023 general elections and impose an “interim government” will be vehemently resisted.”
The Forum reaffirmed its commitment to the unity of Nigeria but emphasised that it “must only be sustained on the principles of Equity, Fairness, and Justice.”
The group also hailed President Buhari for reiterating his commitment to “non-interference in the electoral process to guarantee free, fair, and credible elections.”
It equally expressed concern over the state of insecurity across the country and called on the federal government and security agencies to redouble efforts to address the situation, especially now that the 2023 general elections are around the corner.
New Naira policy
On the currency redesign policy, the SMBLF commended the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in its effort in curbing illicit financial transactions.
It however, noted that the current hardship faced by Nigerians as a result of the scarcity of new higher naira denominations is becoming intolerable, and called on the apex bank and deposit money banks to take urgent steps towards addressing the problem to enable citizens to have access to cash for their daily needs.
It warned that the current situation “portends danger to national peace and security.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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