By ABUBAKAR YUSUF

Scores of political leaders in the South East geo-political zone have begun a movement pushing for the candidature of Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, as presidential candidate in 2023, saying that he is the best man for the job.

Former Governor of Enugu State, Senator Chimaroke Nnamani, disclosed this after consultation with stakeholders and political leaders, including the Ebeano family.

The Senator said that justice, fairness and equity demand that the Nigerian state allows the South East to produce the next president.

“Our leaders, including the Ebeano political family in Nigeria and in Diaspora have consulted widely and seriously believe in the actualization of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State as the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and President in 2023,” Nnamani said.

Nnamani who represents Enugu East in the Senate said Nigeria has been beleaguered by a chequered socio-economic and political history that requires a consensus builder like Ugwuanyi to handle.

He stated that Governor Ugwuanyi, as the PDP leader in the South East, has an enviable record as a consensus builder with every segment of the society pointing, out that the governor is the architect of the political harmony in Enugu State.

According to Senator Nnamani, “Governor Ugwuanyi is humane, tolerant and accommodating. All the traditional rulers, the clergy, workers union, the business community and the political class attest to his uncommon leadership qualities. No section of the State is marginalized or denied its dues.

“His successful handling of the PDP zoning arrangement assignment which brought peace among party faithful across the country is a testimony of his capacity to build consensus," adding: “He managed the assignment 100 per cent and blemish free. He did this in days, thereby confirming his competence and arbitrage qualities.”

He said further: “Governor Ugwuanyi’s relationship with the labour unions is unprecedented. No record of industrial dispute with any workers’ union since he assumed office. He runs an open-door administration and all stakeholders are satisfied. He is the kind of leader Nigeria needs as President.

“Governor Ugwuanyi is patient and a master of give-and-take required in consensus building. A good listener and negotiator with demonstrable competence. This is exactly what the nation needs at this time.”

“Governor Ugwuanyi is a fit and proper person to lead Nigeria out of the doldrums at this time. He has demonstrated the ability to calm frayed nerves, ensure equity and justice for all.

“He has the finesse, panache, good leadership traits needed to restore the peace, unity and progress of Nigeria.” the former Enugu Governor opined.

In Ugwuanyi, Senator Nnamani stressed that Nigeria can be assured of even developments, a peaceful and prosperous country where everyone, irrespective of tribe or religion, would have a sense of belonging under one nation.

Senator Nnamani urged the PDP to search no more for a presidential candidate but to give the South East the opportunity to prove that Nigeria can work by giving the 2023 presidential ticket to Governor Ugwuanyi.

Nnamani was optimistic that Ugwuanyi’s candidacy would win the presidential polls for the PDP and ultimately restore peoples’ trust and confidence in government.

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