South-South, Middle Belt leaders reaffirm support for Jonathan

Political leaders from the minority regions of the South-South and Middle Belt, have insisted that the only guarantee for the full implementation of the recommendations of the National Conference was the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan.
Rising from a summit of the Congress for Equality and Change in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, the political leaders resolved to endorse President Jonathan for re-election as President in the February 14 poll.
Present at the summit were Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, chairman board of trustees; former Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, representing the South East; Senator Femi Okuronmu representing South West; former Bayelsa governor, Chief Diepeye Alamieyeseigha; former Taraba governor, Rev. Jolly Nyame; Gen. Stanley Diriyai, Chief Raymond Dokpesi and Gen. Lawrence Onoja, among over 350 delegates from the Middle Belt and the South South.
Royal fathers in attendance include HRM King Edmund Daukoru, Mingi XII, Amanyanabo of Nembe and chairman of the South-South Council of Traditional Rulers; HRM Orhue I, the Orodje of Okpe; HRM King Alfred Diette-Spiff, Amanyanabo of Twon Brass and Chairman of Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers; HRM, Alhaji Aliyu Canes I, Aidonigie of South Ibie Kingdom and Secretary, South South Council of Traditional Rulers.
The political leaders resolved that President Jonathan’s re-election should be seen as a task beyond party affiliations because he symbolises minority freedom, liberation and emancipation.
According to them, “All minorities are by this formal endorsement enjoined to be vigilant, ensure they collect their PVCs and go out to cast their votes for President Jonathan.”
The political leaders, who deliberated on the political situation in the country and the imperatives for national integration and stability before during and after the February 14 and 28 general elections, among others, reaffirmed their faith in a united and egalitarian Nigeria.
The summit resolved that minorities must unite to fight for their rights and refuse to be intimidated by any ethnic group or individuals to relinquish their support for President Jonathan, saying that he symbolises freedom, liberty and emancipation for minorities and all Nigerians.
Vanguard