Sadly, South-east leaders and governors are aggrieved that they were “never consulted” over the selection of Peter Obi as running mate to the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. The so-called leaders of the region met on Saturday over the development, after saying they were sidelined from the decision making procedure, which led to Obi’s emergence as Atiku’s running mate in the forthcoming 2019 presidential elections.
David Umahi, Ebonyi State governor, who addressed journalists after the meeting said leaders of the region will not oppose anybody chosen from the south-east for the position but noted that they “were not aware.” The governor said the leaders have resolved to meet with Atiku when he returns from a “short” trip to discuss the matter.
“We just finished our meeting and we want to use the opportunity to congratulate our presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, for his very well deserved victory (at) our very transparent and fair primaries that we just finished in Port Harcourt, Rivers state. It is our prayer that God will sustain him and lead him and take him to that destination that PDP gave him our ticket. We have met because of what we saw in the social media over the issue of vice-presidential candidate.
“In as much as we will never be against anybody chosen from south-east to be the presidential running mate to our PDP candidate but we are shocked and surprised that social media starts carrying such insinuation that the leaders of south-east are not aware that our candidate has chosen a candidate. If anything is the truth in the social media assertion, the leaders of south-east were never consulted neither are we aware. However, his excellency Atiku Abubakar has sent a message to the leaders of south-east that he’s out of the country today on a short visit and as soon as he comes back, he will be coming down to the south-east to meet with the south-east leaders for a very deep and cordial discussion and relationship,” he stated.
Ogechukwu Oluigbo who reacted to the development told newsbitsng.com that the so-called Southeast leaders who have contributed to the shortchanging of the Southeast by the current government should all go and burry their heads in shame as they cannot produce anybody with the credibility of Peter Obi. He said, “Southeast leaders my foot. I think they should go and sit down or best burry their faces in shame. They are a collective bunch of disappointment because they have failed the southeast. They are angry because Atiku made a choice that will change the game. This is the era of performance and not bigotry. I dare them to produce anybody that can match the credibility of Peter Obi. Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora will vouch for Obi anytime any day as a prudent businessman, an outstanding leader of men and resources, and a detribalised/well-educated personality.”
