As the preparations for the 2015 election gathers steam, different individuals and organisations have already started endorsing their candidates.
Incumbent President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan who hails from the Niger Delta has recieved a massive boost from traditional leaders from the oil-rich region.
Leadership reports:
The Association of Traditional Rulers of Oil and Mineral Producing Communities of Nigeria (TROMPCON) has endorsed the second term bid of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, saying it is his constitutional right.
In a communiqué issued at the end of its second quarter National Executive Council meeting in Port Harcourt, the traditional rulers pledged their unalloyed support to Jonathan’s bid and urged him to shun all distractions and run for the Presidency come 2015.
The communiqué, which was signed by Eze Akuwueze Raphael Ikegwuruka, and Etinyin Okon Effanga Edem, national chairman and national secretary of association respectively, said the traditional rulers lauded the federal government for its various development efforts in the Niger Delta region, especially the establishment of a Maritime University at Okerenkoko in Delta State, and the sustenance of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.
“That TROMPCON with optimism calls on Mr President, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to shun all distractions and run for second term come 2015, as it is his constitutional right to do so. To this end, TROMPCON pledges its unalloyed support and encouragement.”
The association however expressed shock over the call by Northern delegates in the ongoing National Conference, for the proscription of the NDDC, and the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs as well as serious downward review of the 13% derivation fund, and urged them to listen to the voice of reason and retract their request.
The communiqué reads in part; “TROMPCON observes with keen interest the setting up of the National Conference, which has indeed added to the chains of achievements of the present administration and therefore encourages all participants to be positive minded in ensuring a one Nigeria agenda.
“However, we note with surprise that while Mr. President and his cabinet are on the progressive lane, some leaders of the Northern bloc tend to be on the reverse, particularly judging from their call for proscription of the NDDC, the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, serious downward review of the 13% derivation fund, and other obnoxious, grave and unrealistic demands.
“TROMPCON therefore seizes this opportunity to call on all the concerned leaders to listen to the voice of reason and immediately retract their unpalatable request.”
