By Jonathan Ugbal
Follow @NaijaJonathan
The South South caucus of the All Progressives Congress yesterday endorsed Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari to seek another four year term in office in the country’s next general polls billed for 2019.
This was contained in a communique read by the National Vice Chairman, South South of the party, Mr. Hilliard Eta, after the members met at the Abuja residence of former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomole where they hinged their decision on the successes Mr. Buhari’s administration has recorded in agriculture, anti-corruption, the economy and combating insecurity reports BUSINESSDAY.
Mr. Eta said the: “Caucus acknowledged the changes in the Nigerian political economy and commended the excellent performance of the President Muhammadu Buhari Administration and enjoined Nigerians to continue to support the administration in every way possible.
“Recognising the very successful war against corruption, the effective degradation of Boko Haram, the very laudable agricultural and economic policies that have seen us out of recession, the continuing high regard for his person and leadership around the world that have promoted a bright new image for Nigeria, the credibility he continues to enjoy among the vast majority of Nigerians and among APC members, and the need for continuity in policy and programs, the Caucus of the APC South-South Zone, unanimously adopted and endorsed President Muhammadu Buhari to run for a second term as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The communique signed by the Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki; Mr. Oshiomhole; Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; Minister of State, Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu; Niger Delta Affairs Minister, Usani Usani and Minister of State for Health, Osagie Ehanire was not silent on issues pertaining to the herdsmen crisis as well as the recent call for Mr. Buhari to not contest in 2019.
On the herdsmen issue, the Mr. Eta said that: “Caucus strongly condemns in strong terms the killings of Nigerians and sincerely and deeply sympathises with the States, Communities and families that have been affected, expressed full confidence in the Presidential Committee headed by the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo and enjoined leaders and governments at all levels to work with the Committee to find lasting and sustainable solutions to the problem.”
And, on the call for Mr. Buhari to not contest elections in 2019 by former heads of states, the caucus frowned at such and warned against the heating of the polity.
“Caucus noted with regret, the current tendency of some political leaders to write letters rather than follow existing open lines of communication and dialogue.
“lt noted that such methods of political engagement can only breed disaffection and mediate the on-going effort at repositioning our economy for growth and development.
“It therefore called on political leaders to join hands with President Muhammadu Buhari to contain all forms of violence, strengthen the foundation of our polity, expand and grow the economy and continue to promote sustainable growth, peace and people centered development,” Mr. Eta read.
Others who signed the communique are: Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly (Senate), Ita Enang; Deputy Majority Whip, Francis Alimikhena; Chairman Senate Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) Magnus Abe as well as elder statesmen Don Etiebet and Frank Kokori.
Other party leaders at the meeting from the region include: Deputy Governor of Edo State, Phillip Shuaibu; Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, John Enoh; Chairman Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Victor Ndoma-Egba; Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udoma among others.