SGF: IGBO GROUP SEEKS SUPPORT FOR NWODO, OBI
The group premised its position on results of an opinion poll it claimed was conducted in the South-east. Addressing journalists in Abuja, Prince P.C. Okoronkwo and Deacon Ideato Okoli, national leader and national secretary, respectively, the group told newsmen that former Transport Minister, Chief Ojo Maduekwe, who had the support of the former president and chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees , Chief Olusegun Obasanjo 'does not command any support of the Igbos,' as it claimed that Dr Nwodo had an overwhelming support.
'A survey carried out in the South-east geo-political zone by Olu Ndigbo indicates that the speculated nomination of Ojo Maduekwe as a possible candidate for the position does not command any support of the Ibos, that in the same opinion poll, it indicated that Senator Ben Obi is a considerable option in the mind of Ndi Igbo while Dr Okweseliezie Nwodo has an overwhelming support of Ndi Igbo that cuts across all strata of our political divide.
'In the same vein, prominent Igbo sons like Dr Okwesiliezie Nwodo, the immediate past national chairman of PDP, Chief Ben Obi can adequately and satisfactorily represent, not only the people of South-east but also the entire nation as SGF. For instance, Nwodo's hard-earned credentials and mature leadership qualities can speak for him any day.
'Against this backdrop, we strongly recommend these fine gentlemen to President Jonathan for the plum job of SGF, just as we assure Nigerians that they would never be disappointed by having Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo or Obi who are illustrious sons of Ndigbo as their SGF.
'Again, it is the prerogative of the President to appoint his SGF and having remembered Ndigbo for this position, it would be nice to have it consummated in a person that would truly deliver. It is said that what is worth doing, is worth doing well,'' the said. Speaking further, National leader of the group, Prince Okoronkwo denied that its position was at variance with the agitation for the Speaker of the House of Representatives by certain leaders from the South-east. He declared that the position of the PDP expanded caucus not to give the number four position in the country to the South- east, was informed by prevailing reality.