South-South ethnic nationalities endorse Atiku Abubakar/Okowa presidency

The presidential candidacy of Atiku Abubakar and Ifeanyi Okowa of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday received a boost as all nationalities in the South-South region backed the candidates in the election presidential election of February 25.

The nationalities, under the auspices of the South-South Ethnic Nationalities Assembly (SSENA), made the endorsement during a global press conference held at BB Hotel, Deco Road, Warri, Warri South Local Government Area of ​​Delta State.

Addressing a huge gathering of representatives of all nationalities, including northerners, SSENA National Coordinator, Chief Favor Izoukumor, listed the reasons for the approval, including the promise to Atiku to adhere to the age-old agitation for restructuring and resource control.

Chief Izoukumor, who was accompanied by SSENA National Secretary, Chief Alwaye Oweredaba (Rivers State), National Publicity Secretary, Dcn. Robert Igene (Edo State), Deputy National Coordinator, Hon. Eno Udongwo (Akwa Ibom State), State Coordinator, Mrs. Sambo Patricia (Bayelsa State) and National Treasurer, Hon. Victor Okokon (Cross River State), felt that Atiku Abubakar, unlike President Muhammadu Buhari, will not renege on his promises.

“H. E Atiku again promised to restructure Nigeria if elected president. resources, as was the case during the two CONFABs convened by former Presidents Obasanjo and Jonathan.

"One of the demands of the people of the Niger Delta presented to the Nigerian government was to restructure Nigeria, so that the people of the Niger Delta could benefit from their God-given natural resources.

“We are aware that of all the candidates and political parties, only Atiku of the PDP has emphatically promised Nigerians restructuring and control of resources.

“We believe this will bring peace and transform the Nigerian economy as it would galvanize all regions to explore their options and the resources available for their growth and a better life for their citizens,” Izoukumor said.

Chief Izoukumor said that since the creation of the new democratic dispensation in 1999, the South-South has benefited enormously from the administration of the PDP.

"It was under the leadership of these great men (Obasanjo, Yar'Adua and Jonathan) that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was established, a 13% diversion fund was allocated to Niger Delta Oil Producing States, Presidential Amnesty Program, Niger Delta Ministry, Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Federal University of Petroleum, Effurun-Warri, Federal University of Otuoke and many more have been created.

“These institutions and their policies were focused on the development of our region. It is fair to say that the current peace and tranquility in the Niger Delta is the product of the federal government then led by the PDP.

"Thanks to the brilliant performance of the then DPP-led government, Nigeria has regained its rightful place in the concert of nations as the leader of the African continent. The Universal Basic Education (UBE) Program was created.

"The PDP has resulted in astronomical growth in the Nigerian economy, with 100% GDP growth of 3% to 6%; the resuscitation of national fertilizer companies in Kaduna and Onne (Rivers) as well as the increasing the surplus crude oil account from a paltry $2 billion to $43 billion, while reaching an $18 billion debt relief deal with major creditor countries and groups, including the Paris Club.

“It should be noted how the PDP considered the South-South region in the equation of Nigerian politics, making it an ethnic minority nationality, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Vice President and then President of Nigeria.

"It was the highest political office attained by a South-South minority and he went ahead to make him the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Under Jonathan's formidable economic team, the Nigeria's economy has been rebased for the first time in a decade, leading to the country's emergence as the continent's largest economy, having overtaken South Africa,” he noted.

The Ogbe-Ijoh-born leader further claimed that the choice of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State as Abubakar's running mate exemplifies the PDP's fairness and love for ethnic minority nationalities in the country .

“It is now 2023 and the PDP has once again demonstrated its 'body' and love for minority groups by choosing Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State as its running mate.

"Okowa symbolizes a bridge between South-South and South-East. His endorsement by the party was confirmed by his outstanding performance as Governor of Delta State.

"His giant strides are evident across the country and are visible to the blind and audible to the deaf.

"H...