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The South-South People’s Assembly, at a meeting at
Abuja, suspended AIT owner, Raymond Dokpesi, for heading former
military ruler, Ibrahim Babangida’s campaign organization.

“We totally condemn and dissociate the forum from the
ignoble action of Chief Raymond Dokpesi to serve as DG of the IBB
campaign organization,” Edwin Clark, leader of the forum, told
journalists after the meeting.

Late last month, Mr Babangida announced that Mr
Dokpesi, the chairman of Daar Communications, would head his 2011
presidential campaign under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Mr Dokpesi has, however, denied ever being a member
of the SSPA, although it formed the fulcrum of the support for the
presidential ambition of then governor of Rivers State, Peter Odili. Mr
Dokpesi was also the head of that campaign.

The SSPA has thrown its weight behind Goodluck
Jonathan, who has yet to announce his candidacy. On July 26, the forum,
along with five governors and regional leaders, rose from a summit in
Port Harcourt, Rivers State, with a call on Mr Jonathan to declare for
the 2011 presidential race “without further delay.” Mr Clark said a
rally has been scheduled for Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on September 13, to
urge Mr Jonathan to join the race.

Southern youth for Babangida

Mr Clark also urged the Independent National
Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that political parties adhere to
stipulated guidelines.

“We commend the president for giving INEC all they
need to ensure a successful election in 2011,” he said. “We want the
country to have a free and fair election in 2011.” Meanwhile, another
south-south group, the South-South Youth Assembly, has declared its
support for the presidential ambition of Mr Babangida. The group also
called on Mr Jonathan not to participate in next year’s presidential
election and run instead in 2015.

Its National President, Tony Anucha, says whatever
agreement was reached by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on zoning,
which produced the Yar-Adua/Jonathan ticket in 2007, must be respected
and upheld for 2011. “The position of the PDP on zoning clearly shows
that whatever gentleman’s agreement that existed, must be respected.
The south-south geopolitical zone prefers to have an eight-year go at
the presidency than a four-year go. The north should be allowed to
produce a candidate to complete the zoning understanding. This is the
truth, and we uphold same in good faith,” he said.

Mr Babangida, according to Mr Anucha, has promised to establish oil
and mineral development commissions for the benefit of communities
which produce the natural resources, which will be given through a
certain percentage of accruable revenues.