Clement Nnachi, Abakaliki
Members of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, on Monday, issued a 7-Day ultimatum to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to zone the party Presidential ticket to the South-East geo-political zone of the country during the forthcoming party convention.
Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Francis Nwifuru, made the disclosure on behalf of the lawmakers at the Speakers Lodge, in Abakaliki, while briefing newsmen.
Hon. Nwifuru was flanked by 22 lawmakers out of the 24 member House of Assembly all members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
He said that the unity of the country has been hinged on Equity and that based on this principles that governance has been anchored.
“It is based on this principles of equity that governance has been anchored upon.
“In furtherance of this principles, we the members of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly call on the PDP to heed to the yearnings of the South-East that the position of the Presidential Candidate of the party be zoned to the South-East zone.
“Since the emergence of democracy in Nigeria in 1999, the party had zoned the ticket to the South West in 1999 _2007, North -West in 2007, South-South 2011-2015 and North East in 2019.”
The Speaker warned that if the request of the lawmakers was not met, members of the Assembly would take decisive action to ensure that justice was done.
He continued, “PDP should not turn down this request, the 7-Day ultimatum to the party to convoke National Executive Council (NEC) and zone Presidency to South-East.”
The Speaker reiterated that since inception of democracy in 1999, the South-East has delivered landslide victory to PDP.
Hon. Nwifuru emphasised that the South-East zone has formidable Presidential personalities that possess the pedigree and capability to occupy the number one position in the country.
“The South-East has personalities including Mr Peter Obi, Senator Anyim Pius, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, Senator Theodore Orji and Chief Achike Udenwa among others.
“We have serving governors who are qualified , we only mentioned dignitaries that are not holding political positions, we are not asking for what we do not have.”
The Speaker denied reports that the lawmakers have concluded plans to defect to the All Progressive Congress (APC) if the PDP fail to zone the Presidential ticket to the South -east zone.
“We are not talking about defection , if the party fails to adhere to our request. There are many options for us to take.
“We are members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), we believe in that party.”
Speaking against the backdrop of perceived crisis between Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State and Governor Wike of Rivers State, Hon. Nwifuru debunked the insinuation.