BREAKING: Clark, Gov Ortom Endorse Peter Obi

Chief Edwin Clark, elder statesman and leader of the South-South, has endorsed the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, for forthcoming election.

Clark’s endorsement came as Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State, similarly threw his weight behind Obi, indicating readiness to campaign for him.

BIGPEN NIGERIA (www.bigpenngr.com) reports that this is coming few days after former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, in a New Year message that he signed personally, endorsed Obi’s candidacy, saying ‘Peter Obi As A Mentee Has An Edge’

Announcing his position at a media briefing in his residence in Abuja on Tuesday, Clark who is also the leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), said his endorsement of the former Anambra State governor followed a thorough examination of his plan for the country by the forum.

He noted that Obi’s pathway to sustainable development is commendable just as his desire to carry along people from the Niger Delta in his governance.

According to Clark, Nigeria must continue to be a nation where all citizens, regardless of tribe or religion, have equal opportunities.

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He expressed confidence that the Peter Obi administration would do the most good for young people.

Clark, who is also the leader of the Southern and Middle Belt Leadership Forum (SMBLF), said giving the opportunity for a south easterner to lead the country will give true meaning to the former head of state, General Yakubu Gowon’s mantra after the civil war of “no victor no vanquished.”

Explaining further, he cited honesty, trust and transparency, all of which he said Mr Obi displayed when he was governor of Anambra State.

Chief Clark called on Mr Obi to tackle the issues of the injustices and environmental degradation in the Niger Delta region if elected as President.

Obasanjo, in a New Year message said that Mr Obi had an edge over all the candidates in the race

He said, “None of the contestants is a saint but when one compares their character, antecedent, their understanding, knowledge, discipline, and vitality that they can bring to bear and the great efforts required to stay focused on the job, particularly looking at where the country is today and with the experience on the job that I personally had, Peter Obi as a mentee has an edge.

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“Others like all of us have what they can collectively contribute to the new dispensation to liberation, restoration, and salvaging of Nigeria.

“One other important point to make about Peter is that he is a needle with thread attached to it from North and South and he may not get lost.”

Chief Obasanjo’s endorsement has sparked strong criticism from other Presidential candidates and their parties with the APC and the PDP faulting him and moving to dismiss the former President’s political influence.

Amid the negative reactions from other contenders and parties, Benue State Governor, Dr Samuel Ortom, on Tuesday backed the former President and praised Mr Obi’s qualities.