Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Senate Chief Whip and Senator representing Abia North, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has come under fire for saying that Nigeria is not yet ready for a President of Igbo extraction.
The former Abia Governor who made the remark in a live television programme, claimed that Ndigbo were not yet ripe to produce the President.
Peeved by the Senator’s remarks, the Coalition of South-East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), expressed disappointment that Kalu resorted to conniving with the forces oppressing the Igbo race because of his selfish interests.
COSEYL reminded the former Abia Governor that if he connived with the enemies to sabotage his brother’s ambition today, he should not expect support for his own ambition tomorrow.
The apex socio-political youth group in the South-East said it was shameful that at a time almost the entire country was rallying round the presidential ambition of Peter Obi, an Igbo son, “self-overrated political merchants like Kalu are busy sabotaging the project.”
President General of COSEYL, Comrade Goodluck Ibem, in a statement reminded Kanu that the era of ruining was over, that that Nigerians are ready to vote massively for Obi who has proven that he has capacity and competence to lead.
COSEYL said Kalu and his likes would be shocked by the outcome of the presidential poll as Nigerian youths had made up their minds to take their destiny in their hands.
“It is very unfortunate that Senator Kalu believes that we are still in the old other where you win elections through election rigging or buying of votes.
“Such statement can only be made by someone who thinks only a Presidential candidate that shares money to other zones will win the support of other geopolitical zones.”
COSEYL said that the entrance of Obi into the presidential race had brought about dynamic changes in the political space.
“Mr Peter Obi has changed the dynamics of Nigerian politics where individuals are voted for by other zones based on integrity, transparency and credibility which Mr Peter Obi represents.
“What Orji Kalu must have checked to come to such unfounded conclusion is that he never heard or saw any video where Mr Peter Obi is sharing money like one of the candidates who is known for sharing ill-gotten wealth in other to deceive some gullible and poor Nigerians.
“Nigerians are wiser now and they are standing solidly behind the Labour Party, LP, Presidential candidate Mr Peter Obi who is a Nigerian Presidential candidate and not a candidate of any geopolitical zone.”
Igbo youths commended Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue State for his open endorsement of Obi.
“The Executive Governor of Benue State Dr. Samuel Ortom is a man of his word and man of integrity who has come openly to lend his support to the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Mr Peter Obi.
“Governor Ortom does not speak from both sides of the mouth like must politicians do. His yes is yes and his no is no.”
COSEYL urged Nigerians to disregard Kalu and sustain their support for Obi.
“We call on Nigerians to disregard the unfounded statement by Orji Kalu and continue their support for the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Mr Peter Obi, who God himself will use to wipe away the sufferings and sorrows of Nigerians.”
