A political group under the auspices of Enugu OBIDATTI Coalition has called on the residents of the state to continue to support Labour Party by coming out enmasse on Saturday,March 18, to vote for Labour Party Governorship candidate, Chijioke Edeoga and all Labour Party House of Assembly candidates
They made the call on Thursday in Enugu in a press statement made available by the Lead Convener, Enugu Obidatti Coalition Doctors For Peter Obi, Dr. Chima Emmanuel Edoga . The group called on Obidients and Good people of Enugu State to Stand with Peter Obi by supporting and voting massively for Labour Party Governorship Candidate, Hon. Barr. Chijioke Edeoga.
The Press statement reads in full:
A COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE
INTERNATIONAL PRESS CONFERENCE OF THE ENUGU OBIDATTI COALITION TITLED “THE OBIDIENT MOVEMENT: A NEW ENUGU IS POSSIBLE “: DELIVERED BY 2PM ON THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2023
AT THE TOP 10 INTERNATIONAL HOTEL,
GOLF ESTATE, ENUGU STATE
PREAMBLE
Good day to the members of the press corps, representatives of Peter Obi and Yusuf Datti Support groups in Enugu State, representatives of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) in Enugu State, members of the Labour Party in Enugu State, people listening in online on various mainstream and social media channels, the good people of Enugu State, home and abroad, distinguished ladies and gentlemen. This press briefing in being called by the Enugu ObiDatti Coalition, which is a coalition of Peter Obi and Yusuf Datti Support groups and other well-meaning individuals in Enugu State. The Coalition was behind the Enugu 1 million Man Fitness March of September 2022, ObiDatti Medical, empowerment and voter education outreaches in many Local Government Areas of Enugu State and the Enugu State component of the 100 Million Man Global March for ObiDatti, that held on February 18, 2023.
INTRODUCTION
The word ‘OBIdient’ which is a distinguished variant of the word ‘Obedient’, first surfaced in the lexicon of Nigerians, home and abroad, sometime in 2022. The first three letters of the word OBIdient, which is often capitalized, indicates the personality behind the word. That personality is Obi Peter Gregory, a simple but astute business man, cum public servant of unrivalled pedigree. Peter Obi represents a departure from the old Nigeria to a new Nigeria.
Mr. Peter Obi was a silent achiever and disrupter, from his days in University as a Philosophy undergraduate, to his days as a very young Banker and Chairman of Boards of many multinational companies. Peter Obi hit the public limelight in 2003 when he desired to become the definition of Good Governance in Anambra State, without having a God-Father. Many pundits and political actors then, saw his desire of becoming a governor of state as big and complex as Anambra State, without being the ruling party or having the so-called political structure, as an unbelievable and impossible journey.That desire, though tested through legal hurdles, became a reality three years after in 2006, by landmark and unprecedented supreme court judgement. He still had to go through several legal processes and got outcomes that helped reshape Nigeria’s political space. These ordeals showed Peter Obi as man with tenacity and who disrupted the status quo.
Despite the distractions of litigations, elections and impeachment, Peter Obi set a verifiable record, which has built a dedicated and unrelenting followership, becoming an increasingly formidable and expansive movement, leading up to the 2023 General elections. This movement is now known as the OBIdient Movement and its membership became known as the OBIdients.THE OBIDIENT MOVEMENT
The OBIdient movement is organic. It started because of a great man, rare personality, strange Nigerian and politician, Peter Obi. Strange because despite being in a country as tough, corrupt and compromising as Nigeria, he has not only stayed on the principles of righteousness but has excelled both in family, business, politics and leadership. Many of his kind choose to stay off politics for obvious reasons, for that, our nation became overrun with dishonest leaders.
No single individual or group can claim to have founded the OBIdient Movement, it has become an ideology.In a Punch Newspaper publication dated September 3, 2022 (https://dailypost.ng/2022/09/03/peter-obi-explains-meaning-of-obidient/) Peter Obi was stated to defined the word OBIDIENT in a tweet, as O – Organized; B – broad-based; I – Inclusive; D – democratic; I – international; E – excellence-driven; N – Nigerians from every ethnic group; T – Transparency in governance”.
This definition, as captured by the Principal of the OBIdient Movement, is a good summary of movement that has taken Nigeria, and indeed Africa and the entire world, by storm.THE VEHICLE OF THE OBIDIENT MOVEMENT: THE LABOUR PARTY
The OBIdients were grateful to the Labour Party which gave Mr. Peter Obi their platform despite having competent candidates, already lined up to contest in her presidential Primaries. With the emergence of Peter Obi as the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, slowly but steadily, the party began to gain massive support across the length and breadth of Nigeria, and disrupting the established political status quo.
BIRTHING OF A NEW NIGERIA
The Presidential Elections of February 25, 2023, was supposed to be a date with history for the majority of Nigerians, that would usher in a New Nigeria. Instead, it turned out to be a day of brazen abuse of executive power, and disregard for the rule of law.The electoral umpire, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, which appeared to be acting a script, hurriedly and without due process to the electoral laws, declared a winner. Instead of tears of joy to flood the streets and states of Nigeria, it was tears of sorrow and disbelief. The process of that general elections has been described by several observers, both national and international, as below expectation.
Following the election debacle, the grieving citizens of Nigeria, home and abroad, were holding their breaths, waiting to hear the soothing words of their leader, the true Unifier and the detribalized Nigerian, Mr. Peter Obi. He came out few days afterwards to calm the nerves of the OBIdients and Nigerians. His address, watched live by millions of Nigerians, has helped avert unimaginable and unthinkable national, regional and global crises, at least in the interim.
He assured Nigerians that he will challenge the process of the elections in the courts and recover the mandate given to him by the majority of Nigerians. He also set the agenda for the ensuing Gubernatorial and State House of Assembly elections.
THE BIRTHING OF A NEW ENUGU
Nigeria is established as a federation of states, although far from the true intentions of the founding fathers. Governance of any state is fundamental to the overall success of the nation.
Enugu, a former capital of the Eastern Region, a citadel of learning for many Nigerians, especially of the Igbo extraction, has in recent times, yearned for a rebirth. The years of governance of the state by the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, has left bitter tastes in the mouths of many state residents/dwellers. The ruling party conducted Gubernatorial primaries which was described by many, as transactional, offered to the highest bidder, or to those who the establishment supported.
Hon. Barr. Chijioke Edeoga was part of that infamous PDP gubernatorial primaries, but apparently could not withstand the power and money play. While still recovering from PDP primaries saga, Barr. Chijioke Edeoga put it on record that he received a call, from Mr. Peter Obi, to consider running for Governorship position under the Labour Party. After some weeks of reluctance, he accepted and emerged as the gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party. His emergence was not without legal tussles, that reach the Supreme Court.
A question worth asking is why did Peter Obi specifically ask Hon. Barr. Chijioke Edeoga, out many other politicians to join Labour Party and contest to become the Governor of Enugu State? What qualities did he see in Hon. Barr. Chijioke Edeoga, to risk identifying with and supporting him.
The Enugu ObiDatti Coalition considered and interrogated these questions, as it pertains to the person most suited to lead Enugu State into a new era. We came up with the following points:
POINT 1. THE STAND AND SUPPORT OF MR. PETER OBI
The Principal of the OBIdient Movement, Peter Obi, has stated in several fora, that he is supporting Hon. Barr. Chijioke Edeoga. Peter asked Chijioke Edeoga to run in Labour Party. The integrity and trustworthiness of Peter Obi, is a big plus for Chijioke Edeoga. Mr. Peter Obi has also promised to guide and mentor all persons who will be elected on the platform of Labour Party.
POINT 2. THE CHARACTER OF HON. BARR. CHIJIOKE EDEOGA
Prior to March 2023, there are no credible records to question the credibility of Hon. Barr. Chijioke Edeoga. This is despite his over 2 decade of public service, a remarkable feat indeed. Same cannot be said of some other candidates. It was only early this month, that an infamous news outlet, published allegations of fraud against him. Many consider the report, to be late in the day and politically motivated, to tarnish the image of Hon. Barr. Chijioke Edeoga.POINT 3. THE CAPACITY, COMPETENCE AND TRACK RECORDS OF HON. BARR. CHIJIOKE EDOGA
Hon. Barr. Chijioke Edeoga is a Journalist, Lawyer and Public Servant. In the media world, he has distinguished himself, and is currently on the editorial board of Daily Trust Newspaper. His media prowess means that he has a good grasp of national issues and will be able to communicate his policies and agenda if or when elected as Governor.
Hon. Barr. Chijioke Edeoga holds two degrees in Law and had a stint in legal practice. This means that he will understand the rule of law. Rule of law is fundamental to good governance and it is soothing to know that a governor to be understands and commits to it.
As a public servant, he achieved remarkable feats as a local Government Chairman in Isi Uzo, constructing and rehabilitating roads, clearance of backlogs of old salaries predating his administration, establishment of a major market and attracting other investments, all under 14 months.
He went to the house of Representatives and contributed to the landmark Freedom of Information Act. He became a spokesperson for the National Assembly, popularized that office and executed electrification projects in his constituency.
As a two-time Commissioner in Enugu State, he demonstrated the commitment to better the lot of the people of Enugu state. But it is a known trend that appointed Commissioners can only execute tasks they are allowed to by the Chief Executive of the State.
POINT 4. THE AGENDA AND PLANS OF HON. BARR. CHIJIOKE EDEOGA.
Hon. Barr. Chijioke Edeoga, is by far, the most grassroots-oriented gubernatorial candidate, going through grueling tours of more than 240 wards out of 260 wards in Enugu State.
In each of the tours, he requested documented needs of the people, such that the manifesto will be a mixture of bottom-to-top and top-to-bottom approach. He has details of the needs of Ndi Enugu in writing and has promised to meet them when elected.
His 4-point agenda, which he has canvassed during his over 4-month ward tours and which he finally released to the public domain, after several twitter @Vawulence_space appearances, is simple yet comprehensive. He has promised to pick from the ANIDS agenda, which Mr. Peter Obi used to govern Anambra State.
Enugu ObiDatti Coalition has confirmed that Hon. Barr. Chijioke Edeoga has studied the Presidential Manifesto of Peter Obi and Yusuf Baba-Ahmed Datti, and is committed to adopting the key concepts applicable at a state level.
POINT 5. THE ATTACKS AGAINST HON. BARR. CHIJIOKE EDEOGA
The spate of the often malicious attacks on the person and image of Hon. Barr. Chijioke Edeoga has been vicious and unprecedented. There is a saying in Igbo land that it is only the ripe fruits that attract stones. These stones, hurled at him, is a pointer to his capacity to actually win.
Hon. Barr. Chijioke Edeoga is not perfect, just as our Principal, Mr. Peter Obi often says he is also not perfect. He has been unjustly and unfairly attacked.
POINT 6. THE SACRIFICES OF HON. BARR. CHIJIOKE EDEOGA
Enugu ObiDatti Coalition is aware of the numerous sacrifices Hon. Barr. Chijioke Edeoga has made, to ensure that a new Enugu is birthed. He has told of how he risked losing his life, while aspiring for public office.
Despite not having a war chest, he has painstakingly built the structure of Labour Party in Enugu State, with OBIdients and for ‘Ndi Enugu’, home and abroad.
CONCLUSION
How then shall we turn our backs on a man who has done so much for this onerous task of taking back our country/state based on false allegations from those who have seen the handwriting on the wall and have decided to sow seeds of discord among Ndi Enugu?
The ENUGU OBIDATTI COALITION having given our all to the birthing of a New Nigeria through Mr. Peter Obi during these past months, and having found Hon. Barr. Chijioke Edeoga as credible, compassionate, competent and prepared to work with Mr. Peter Obi, OBIdients, the Labour Party and all lovers of Enugu State to birth a New Enugu, hereby, fully endorse his candidature, will work for his victory and will hold him accountable while in office.
We therefore call on all Obidients and the good people of Enugu State, to stand with Mr. Peter Obi, by standing with the Labour Party Gubernatorial Candidate, Hon. Barr. Chijioke Edeoga and holding him accountable while in office.
A New Enugu is POssible too!
Signed:
Dr. Chima Emmanuel Edoga Comrade Wilfred Okeke
Lead Convener, Secretary,
Enugu Obidatti Coalition Enugu Obidatti Coalition
Doctors For Peter Obi New Nigeria Integrity Movement
Arc. Eric Eyutchae Hon. John Chidi Uzoigwe
Co-Convener, Co-Convener,
Enugu Obidatti Coalition Enugu Obidatti Coalition
Solomon Ugo Anekwe Hon. Chijioke Okonkwo
Save Nigeria group USA Enugu chapter (SNG) Convener New Nigeria Integrity Movemenr
Co-Convener, Co-Convener,
Enugu Obidatti Coalition Enugu Obidatti Coalition.