2023: Group holds conference to lobby Nigerians on actualisation of South-East presidency
Ahead of the 2023 presidential election in Nigeria, a global non-partisan Igbo Think Tank, Nzuko Umunna is set to unveil a national conversation around the fruition of a Nigerian President coming from the South-East region.
The initiative conceived as Greater Nigerian Conference (GNC), is scheduled to hold on Monday April 25, 2022 by 11am at Executive Hall of the International Conference Centre, Abuja.
According to a statement released by the GNC media team, the conference is aimed at mobilizing Nigerians of all levels such as, elders, opinion leaders, politicians, the youths and entrepreneurs, from north and south, east and west, for a rational dialogue on the moral standing of South-East’s quest for Nigerian president to come from the zone.
It further noted that the conference is also to “underscore the need for progressive good governance, equity in diversity and fairness by inclusion, in the conscience of our national politics.
“We are convinced that Nigeria is never better ripe for a highly marginalized South-East, to earn their desire for Nigerian Presidency through such deliberate sacrifice, as a steadfast reinforcement of our common nationhood,” the statement from the GNC media office emphasized.
Expected dignitaries to lead discussions in conference include former governor of Enugu State, Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo and Senator Victor Umeh, both former Chairmen of prominent national parties in Nigeria, as Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the GNC Organizing Committee respectively.
President of Nzuko Umunna, Senator Chris Anyanwu explained that the task before the GNC Organizing Committee is to drive home the understanding that the country in urgent search for real nationhood, owe to her greatness, that true healing is achieved, when sores of history are treated intentionally, than ignored conveniently.
She added thus, “We feel blessed by the kind of men and women who accepted to lead this dialogue, and gratefully indebted to all Nigerians whose passion and goodwill are persistent, that the challenges of our unity and progress as a nation, require the tenacity of faith and patience, they see in their South East brothers.”
Highlighting the imperatives of the event, the Executive Secretary of Nzuko Umunna, Mr Ngozi Odumuko, noted that, time is ripe to beam searchlight on the Southeast to raise presidential candidate for the country, given the inspiring stature of men and women with proven capacity, competence, fitness and knowledge, eager for fair consideration to serve this country as President, the way other regions have faithfully done in the past unhindered.
Odumuko said, “It is our humble conviction and sober resolve that putting these worthy candidates on the table before Nigerians, will make them appreciate deeply, how prepared South-East has come through, in their compelling quest to balance our political sensitivity towards a stronger union, with a brave full integration of South-East’s Ndigbo.”
The Greater Nigeria Conference with the theme “Together We Can” will build on the strength and determination of all lovers of peace, justice and progress, to work better together, listen to each other more, and act selflessly in a pan Nigeria spirit to remove the yoke of South East exclusion to the highest office in their country, to the GNC media office further indicated.
The occasion which will have all Presidential aspirants from Southeast, Governors from Southeast and Southern Nigeria in attendance, will be graced by special delegation from Ohaneze Ndigbo, South West Afenifere leaders, Middle Belt Forum, Arewa Consultative Forum, Pan Niger Delta Forum amongst others.
The organisers also disclosed that already, there are confirmations of attendance and participations from Nigerians in the diaspora, and within.
