South East supports zoning to produce president in 2015 – Obi

By Dayo Benson Amid unresolved zoning controversy, Director-General of Lt-Gen. Aliyu Gusau Campaign Organisation, Senator Ben Obi, has said that the South East is supporting zoning because 2015 presidency is non-negotiable for the region which he described as a deprived zone. Senator Obi, who was running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in 2007 presidential race stated that for South East presidency to be actualised in 2015, it was imperative to support zoning saying: “ for the South East, 2015 is not negotiable because there is an understanding with the North on this and that is why the aspirants said they ‘ll do only one term; without 2011 there cannot be 2015.” He spoke in Lagos weekend even as he stressed that Gen. Gusau was the best man for 2011 presidency having served as National Security Adviser, NSA, to many administrations and each time he came out unblemished. He explained that no sooner Gusau was named NSA by President Goodluck Jonathan than he (Gusau) approached and intimated him (Obi) of his intention to have a shot at the 2011 presidency just as he did in 2007 and pointed out that he (Obi) would lead his campaign. He, however, explained that despite pitching his tent with Gusau, he and Alhaji Atiku maintained the best of relationship, just as Gen. Gusau and former military President Gen. Ibrahim Babangida still enjoyed cordial relationship. He described Gasau as a man of courage and integrity whose experience in national security would be of immense benefit to the nation if elected president, adding that the retired general commanded international acceptance. According to Obi, Gusau is a courageous and disciplined leader. Having served at different times as NSA, nobody has ever found him wanting. He was not involved in OBJ planned 3rd term and that did not affect their relationship” Senator Obi stated further that the United States was always consulting Gusau on security issues pointing out that he was one of the people U.S. first consulted when the 911 bombing occurred. He also described Gusau as a stabilizer especially for the role he played when President Jonathan emerged as Acting President and after he became substantive president, saying that his wealth of experience in government since 1974 would be an invaluable asset to the country. According to Senator Obi “General Gusau is a man whose word is his bound” adding that if elected president, he would tackle insecurity, power and educational problems in the country saying that in “Gusau is seeking to run a visible particpatory government. In four years Gusau will address issues of security, energy, education, transportation, in 18 months, Nigeria will enjoy uninterrupted power supply for 18 hours in a day.”