Anyim says the 2023 elections should stand on the tripod of equity, fairness, justice
By Emma Ogbuehi
As the race for the 2023 presidential election gathers momentum, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, frontline aspirant, on Friday took his consultations to the South-West.
Anyim, who is aspiring on the platform of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), kicked off his consultations with the leader of the Odua Peoples Congress (OPC), Iba Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba, at his Lagos home.
Anyim also visited Chief Olabode George, former PDP Deputy National Chairman (South) and Chief Ayo Adebanjo, leader of the foremost Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere.
The visit to the three leaders marks the commencement of his wider consultations with South-West leaders.
Anyim, former Senate President and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), told Gani Adams that he had come to consult with him on his aspiration to lead the country after President Muhammadu Buhari and to seek his blessing.
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Aare Gani Adams who was happy at the visit prayed for Anyim and wished him well in his political aspiration.
Chief Bode George said Anyim has the requisite character and competence to lead the country.
“You are a highly responsible person. You became the Senate President, the country’s number three citizen. You were also in the federal civil service. You were Secretary to the Government of the Federation. So you have gathered the requisite experience, capacity, character and knowledge. You have the right values. I have no doubt in my mind that you will be a good leader.”
Chief George advised Anyim to preach peace on his campaign tours.
“As you go around the country canvassing for support, preach peace. We all want peace. Nobody wants trouble. Our party, the PDP stands on the tripod of justice, equity and fairness. I know the party well. When the time comes, we will meet and sort things out.
“It will be very interesting times. We have to be careful. We have to remember that those who will decide where to cast their ballot, the electorate, are not necessarily card-carrying members of political parties and they are carefully looking at what we are doing.
“But, I know you as a first class planner. It shall be well with you,” he said.
Anyim had told Chief George that he came to seek his blessings and to formally inform him of his intention to contest the 2023 presidential election.
Addressing George who is a founding member of the PDP, Anyim said: “One unique thing to watch out for in 2023 is that the children of democracy in 1999 are stepping in to take charge.
“On the surface, it may look ordinary but it is significant. I am one of the children of the democracy that birthed in 1999. We want to advance the legacies you, the founding fathers of PDP and this democracy, bequeathed to us.
“We can rebuild and refocus this nation and advance the cause of democracy. The country must move forward as a united entity but on the three building blocks of equity, fairness and justice.
“I have come not for partnership, but for you to show me the way, to carry me on your back across the bridge.
“And the fact that you received me so warmly at such a very short notice shows that I am one of favoured sons.
Anyim, who said he has the experience, competence and understanding of the country, what the challenges are and what it takes to fix Nigeria, said the problem the country faces today boils down to failure of leadership.
The presidential aspirant pleaded with George to add his weighty voice to the clamour for power to shift to the South after eight years of Buhari’s presidency.
“As a founding father of the PDP, you know all about the rotation principle. Power is in the North today, surely, it will be the turn of the South in 2023.
“The need for your weighty voice to that call is far more important than this consultation.
Bode George wished him well.
“I want to tell you that my back is big enough to carry you. I wish you well.”
George who lent his support to zoning said, “Our brothers from the Southeast must come together and have a direction. There must be no spoilers. By whatever parameter, what is good for the goose, must also be good for the gander.
Anyim told Pa Adebanjo at his Lekki home that he came to consult with him and seek his blessings.
