Political leaders from the minority
regions of the South-South and Middle Belt, have
insisted that the only guarantee for the full
implementation of the recommendations of the
National Conference was the re-election of
President Goodluck Jonathan.
Rising from a summit of the Congress for
Equality and Change in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State,
the political leaders resolved to endorse
President Jonathan for re-election as President
in the February 14 poll.
Present at the summit were Ijaw leader, Chief
Edwin Clark, chairman board of trustees; former
Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka
Ezeife, representing the South East; Senator
Femi Okuronmu representing South West; former
Bayelsa governor, Chief Diepeye Alamieyeseigha;
former Taraba governor, Rev. Jolly Nyame; Gen.
Stanley Diriyai, Chief Raymond Dokpesi and Gen.
Lawrence Onoja, among over 350 delegates from
the Middle Belt and the South South.
Royal fathers in attendance include HRM King
Edmund Daukoru, Mingi XII, Amanyanabo of
Nembe and chairman of the South-South Council
of Traditional Rulers; HRM Orhue I, the Orodje of
Okpe; HRM King Alfred Diette-Spiff, Amanyanabo
of Twon Brass and Chairman of Bayelsa State
Council of Traditional Rulers; HRM, Alhaji Aliyu
Canes I, Aidonigie of South Ibie Kingdom and
Secretary, South South Council of Traditional
Rulers.
The political leaders resolved that President
Jonathan’s re-election should be seen as a task
beyond party affiliations because he symbolises
minority freedom, liberation and emancipation.
According to them, “All minorities are by this
formal endorsement enjoined to be vigilant,
ensure they collect their PVCs and go out to
cast their votes for President Jonathan.”
The political leaders, who deliberated on the
political situation in the country and the
imperatives for national integration and stability
before during and after the February 14 and 28
general elections, among others, reaffirmed their
faith in a united and egalitarian Nigeria.
The summit resolved that minorities must unite
to fight for their rights and refuse to be
intimidated by any ethnic group or individuals to
relinquish their support for President Jonathan,
saying that he symbolises freedom, liberty and
emancipation for minorities and all Nigerians

This is what I want to hear. As a south-south minority, I feel we have to go for true federalism. It's the best way Nigeria can realise her full potential.