Nigeria Content Online

South-east politicians have
cancelled their political summit, following what it called the peaceful
resolution of the zoning debate.

The South-East Political Summit
was planned to express their position on zoning of the presidential
candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2011
presidential election. However, the conveners called it off on Friday,
after the party declared its stance on the zoning debate on Thursday.

The Deputy Senate President, Ike
Ekweremadu, who is also the promoter of the summit, said the meeting
was no longer necessary, adding that they support the resolution of the
party.

“The resolution of the zoning
argument in the PDP has made the planned South East Political Summit
scheduled for August 16, unnecessary,” he said.

Support for decision

“It is noteworthy that, on access
to the presidency of this country, the South-south has been the least
favoured,” the Deputy Senate President said. “This is the first time
that somebody from the South-south is reaching that position after 50
years of nationhood.

“On the account of the peculiar
circumstance of the Jonathan presidency, there is need to carry along
all parts of the country by giving access to the highest position in
the land. And giving the contribution of the South-south geopolitical
zone to the economy of the country, the PDP NEC’s decision should be
viewed from this perspective,” he said.

“Nigeria has in the past addressed
similar injustices, like the June 12 which gave rise to the national
consensus on the South-west presidency of Olusegun Obasanjo.” The
deputy Senate President also made case for an Igbo president in future,
saying that, like the South-south, the South-east has presided over
Nigeria for only six months.

“I hope that at the appropriate
time, this point will be noted by the entire country with a view to
addressing the injustice and concede the presidential slot to the
South-east,” he said. “This sense of fairness, equity and justice is a
sure foundation for peace and progress in this country. I urge
Nigerians to support this peace initiative.”

One voice

He also advocated unity and
cohesion in the zone, saying, “Time has come for the South-east to
speak with one voice and for all the stakeholders to work in unison, in
the overall interest of the people of the South-east.

“South-east in the past has worked and contributed immensely to the
unity and progress of this country as a major component of the nation
and will never shy away from that commitment. Working together, we can
build an enviable nation in spite of our diversity. We must all be
prepared to make sacrifices and show understanding,” he said.