From Jeff Agbodo, Onitsha
Movement for the Election of Nigeria President of Igbo Extraction (MENPIE) has lauded some elder statesmen like Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezife, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Edwin Clark and Dr. Bitrus Porgu for their wise and patriotic decision in endorsing the candidacy of Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) as consensus preferred presidential candidate based on competence, capacity, capability, justice, selflessness and equity.
The group said the hope of Nigeria depended on those who abhorred and condemned injustices and who took decisive and courageous steps to eradicate what they stood against.
National Convener of MENPIE, Vincent Ezekwueme in a statement tagged “Our efforts and labour shall never be in vain” commended the Dr. Ezife-led Igbo Elders Consultative Forum, Pa Adebanjo-led Yourba Afenefere, Chief Clark-led Southern and Middle Belt Forum and Dr. Porgu-led Middle Belt Forum for their boldness in speaking the truth despite pressures and inducements.
“Pa Ayo Adebanjo has demonstrated in words and actions absolute integrity, remarkable patriotism, worthy nationalist, detribalised Nigeria and beacon of hope for new Nigeria of our dreams, hopes and aspirations. His Afenifere endorsement of Obi is clear indication that Nigeria is ready and willing to embrace politics of meritocracy, inclusiveness, competence, conviction and conscience.
“The leader of Southern and Middle Belt Forum, Chief Edwin Clark has always been on the side of justice, equity, good governance, egalitarian society and morality.
“The Middle Belt Forum led by Dr. Bitrus Porgu has been for their indispensable and relentless roles in championing and standing for justice, equity and egalitarian society in a patriotic quest to enthrone president of southeast extraction.”