Ben Ezechime, Enugu
Some residents of Enugu State have hailed the endorsement of Labour Party (LP), Presidential Candidate, Mr Peter Obi, to emerge as the next President of Nigeria on May 29, 2023.
In separate interviews with Ikengaonline in Enugu, they said the endorsements by notable Nigerians across the country, was a clear indication that, a new Nigeria was in the making.
It would be recalled that, high profile personalities including, former President Olusegun Obansanjo; Leader of Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, Chief Edwin Clark and Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, have all recently spoken in support of Obi’s presidential ambition.
Speaking, Barrister Gideon Okechukwu Agbo, said the endorsements were a good development in Nigeria’s political evolution.
“It is a good omen, it is a welcome development, a clear indication that, we are heading towards a new Nigeria,” he said.
Agbo, who is the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Senatorial candidate for Enugu North added that aside the fact that the South-East is laying claim to the 2023 presidency, Obi/Datti was a good pairing.
“Nigeria really needs a fresh breath of air. We are tired of old faces, they don’t have anything to offer Nigerians again,” he said.
In the same vein, retired Colonel Aaron Ugwu, a chieftain of LP, said the time had come for the Igbos to take their rightful place in the Nigeria federation.
“Obi/Datti represents a new Nigeria; there is no doubt about that. Thank God that even the elders are now looking through their lenses.
“Among all the candidates for the presidency, there is no doubt that, a Third Force is desirable to rescue Nigeria, and the time is now,” he said.
Another stakeholder, Mrs Florence Okoronkwo, a teacher, said the endorsements were source of inspiration to the Obidient Family.
“Not only to me, but, we, the Obidient family in Enugu State, are very happy over that.
“For elder statesmen like Obasanjo, Ibrahim Banbangida and others to declare open support for Obi/Datti, is something to rejoice about.
“However, we are not going to take anything for granted, we will continue to work to ensure that the electorate collect their PVCs and come out to vote on the election day,” Okoronkwo said.
She said: “It is one thing for the elites to pledge their support and another thing for the electorate to come out and cast their votes.”
