Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tony Anenih has delved into the history of Nigeria where he said the people in the South South have, for long, built strong political ally with their Northern counterparts.
“In the political history of Nigeria, the South-south has also been a close ally of the North. We have fought political battles together, contested elections on the same political platforms and formed alliances.
“We have given support to the North when it mattered most.”
Anenih spoke on Saturday in Benin city, capital of Edo state, at the South-south zonal Unity Rally of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and emphasized the need for the North to reciprocate the support the South South had given it in the past by support President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election bid in 2015.
“The current situation, therefore, calls for reciprocity and co-operation,” he said, adding that in appealing to the conscience of Nigerians in the prevailing uncommon circumstance, “we would claim our right, with dignity and determination, in the interest of our dear country.
“We have reasons to be proud of the contribution of the South-south to Nigeria’s development. The Zone has over the years, made sacrifices, including supreme sacrifices, not only to keep this country together but also towards its economic development.
“The South-South has, in the past, played a unifying role among the various regions of the country. Our sons and daughters, such as Chief Tony Enahoro, Chief Okotie-Eboh, Mr. Isaac Boro, General David Ejoor, Chief Denis Osadebe, Chief Jereton Mariere, etc., have served this country with great distinction.”
Anenih said that the unity of the South-south is important for peace and progress of the country, stressing: “it is the basis on which other regions will take us seriously.”
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