South South Monarchs Forum, the apex body of traditional rulers in the geo- political region has thrown it’s weight behind People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Vice Presidential candidate and Governor of Delta state , Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa in the forthcoming presidential election.
The Monarchs, rising from extra-ordinary general assembly in Yenogoa, Bayelsa State, yesterdayΒ decleared their support , saying it has become expident and necessary to back Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in the forthcoming presidential election to attract more dividends of democracy to the region.
The traditional rulers, in a fifteen point communique issued and signed by the Chairman, King Dr. Edmund M. Daukoru, Mingi XII Amanyanabo of Nembe Kingdom on behalf of about 300 kings that attended the meeting said Governor Okowa deserves the support of the region because he possessed the requisite qualities of a good leader.
” The South South Monarchs and traditional institutions in the zone support the bid of Dr. Okowa to be Vice President of Nigeria under the aegis of his party , the PDP. As son of the region, we wish him victory in the forthcoming general elections”, the Monarchs said.
The meeting which deliberated on the theme, ” Enhancing Grassroots Security and Peace in the South South region during and after the 2023 General Elections”, was decleared open by Governor of Bayelsa State Douye Diri.
The Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseke was represented by his deputy , comrade Philip Shuaibu, while the governor of Delta state Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and former Adamawa state governor , Bonu Haruna where in attendance.
The forum conversed for a violence free elections in the country to guarantee peace and stability as anything short of that enthrone mediocrity in governance, adding that election is not about battle but an informed decisions.
The forum hailed INEC for introducing BIVAS into the nations electorial process saying, it will help check fraudulent electorial practices and confer legitimacy on those who govern.
The forum further tasked traditional rulers in the country to be alive to their responsibilities in ensuring that electorial process awearness campaign was carried out in their respective Kingdoms to prevent voters apathy.
The Monarchs canvased for a constitutional role for royal father’s in the country to enable them discharge their responsibilities in their respective communities.
” Prioritisation of human security through the creation of job skill and opportunities in way than can improve the standard of living of the people of the south South”.
The Monarchs appealed that the incoming administration should pay more emphasis on security in the region to ensure for the protection of lives and properties, and the provision of jobs for the millions of the army of unemployed youths in the area.
