PREAMBLE
The Greater Nigeria Conference with the theme ‘TOGETHER WE CAN’ held at the International Conference Centre in Abuja on Monday 25th April 2022. It was an initiative of an Igbo Think Tank, Nzuko Umunna, which received total buy-in from all groups based in or linked to the South East.
The purpose of the Conference was for leafers of the South East and friends of the South East to come together and make the case for all political parties in Nigeria to zone their Presidential candidacies to aspirants from South East Nigeria.
The Chairman of the occasion was Chief Gary Enwo Igariwey and the Chief Host was the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Professor George Obiozor. The Presidential aspirants from South East Nigeria were present at the event. The Special Guests of Honour were Chief Edwin Kaigbodo Clark, OFR, CON, leader of PANDEF and Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Leader of Afenifere.
The Royal Father of the Day was Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, Obi of Obinigwu. The Keynote Speaker was Dr Bitrus Pogu, President of the Middle Best Forum. His Excellency Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo was the Chairman of the GNC Planning Committee, supported by his deputy, Senator Victor Umeh. Senator Chris Anyanwu, President of Nzuko Umunna gave the Welcome Address.
OBSERVATIONS The Conference observed that:
- The South East of Nigeria is fully committed to the unity of Nigeria
- The South East of Nigeria is united in supporting the ambitions of its sons and daughters aspiring to be the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
- The South East has supported other regions in their quests for the Presidency of Nigeria.
- For equity, fairness and inclusion, all political parties should zone the Presidency to the South East.
- The general insecurity in the country is a grave cause for concern. The South East of Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to full, free, fair and credible elections, devoid of violence.
- The South East of Nigeria is committed to the peaceful and non-violent resolution of all issues.
- Other geopolitical zones stand with the South East in its quest to produce the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria come 2023.
- There are credible and qualified aspirants from the Southeast who compare comfortably and favourably with the best from other geopolitical zones.
- The aspirants from the South East clearly demonstrated their capacity, patriotism and passion to govern Nigeria at the GNC Conference.
RESOLUTIONS
1. GNC reaffirms its commitment to the unity of Nigeria, as embodied in the theme of the Conference: “Together we can.”
2. GNC resolves that zoning does matter, as other regions have benefited from zoning.
3. GNC recognises that zoning is legal, as the Federal Character Principle is enshrined in the Constitution.
4. The GNC resolved that the ambitions of all Presidential aspirants of South East extraction will be supported, regardless of party.
5. The GNC resolved that for equity, fairness and inclusion, it is right that all political parties should zone the Presidency to the South East.
6. GNC appreciates that its support to other geopolitical zones in their quest for the Presidency of Nigeria is being reciprocated in the current quest for a President of South East extraction.
7. GNC resolves that a President from the South East will usher in unity, peace and progress in Nigeria and, being grounded on justice, equity and fair play, will help to douse all manners of agitation in the Nigerian state.
8. That citizens of the South East , across all parties will work in unity to achieve the objective of a President from the South East in 2023
9. The people of the South East encourages all South Easterners to work in unity and togetherness to promote these resolutions.
APPRECIATION
On behalf of the Greater Nigeria Conference, the Chairman and the organising committee express their heartfelt gratitude to the following individuals and groups:
1. Chief Edwin Clark
2. Pa Ayo Adebanjo
3. Dr Pogu Bitrus
4. Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF)
5. Afenifere
6. Middle Belt Forum
Signature. Signature
Chairman. Chairman
(Of the Ocassion) GNC