S-East, S-South govs: Nigerians 'll determine 2015 Presidency

Governors of the South East and South South states declared yesterday in Enugu that the determination of who will be the President of the country in 2015 would be made by the Nigerian electorate, in line with democratic tenets, warning that the power of the people should not be usurped by any group or individuals.

The governors, who met at the Government House, Enugu, in a communique issued at the end of the meeting, also thanked Nigerians for their continued support of President Jonathan's administration and urged the President to remain focussed on governance and not to allow himself to be distracted.

'We note that the determination of who will be President of this country in 2015 will be made by the Nigerian electorate in line with democratic tenets and the power of the people should not be usurped by any group or individuals.

'We call for continued dialogue at resolving national issues and the management of the security situation in the country to guarantee the continued corporate existence of our great nation.

'We commend the security agencies for their efforts in managing these challenges and commend the federal government for the massive reduction in crude oil theft.

'We call on the leadership of ASUU and other players to be sensitive to the plight of our children and call off the strike while resolving issues through dialogue.

'Finally, as we celebrate our 53rd Independence anniversary, we felicitate with Mr. President and all Nigerians as we resolve to work for the peace and continuous stability of our great nation.'

They further called for continued dialogue at resolving national issues and management of the security situation in the country to guarantee the continued corporate existence of the nation.

They also commended the security agencies for their efforts in managing the challenges, while lauding the federal government for the massive reduction in crude oil theft.

The governors called on the leadership of ASUU and other players to be sensitive to the plight of students and call off the strike while resolving issues through dialogue.

The governors further resolved to continue to strengthen economic ties among their states and to continue to pursue the development of the zones as well as prosecute the various infrastructure projects earlier identified. The communique read: 'The SouthSouth/South East Governors met in Enugu on the 29th day of September to deliberate over issues affecting the Zones and the nation in general.

'After extensive cordial deliberations, the governors of the South South/South East zones resolved to continue to pursue the development of the zones as well as prosecute the various infrastructure projects identified. 'We thank Nigerians for their continued support for the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan who they elected overwhelmingly.

'We urge Mr. President to remain focused on governance and not to allow himself to be distracted.

Governors in attendance at the meeting were Sullivan Chime (Enugu), Peter Obi (Anambra), Liyel Imoke (Cross River) Theodore Orji (Abia), Martin Elechi (Ebonyi) Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta), Godswill Akapbio (Akwa Ibom) and Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd), Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State.