By Emma Okereh
A group whose sole interest is to champion the cause of southerners in Nigeria has emerged under the aegis of Coalition of Southern Groups.
A statement signed by the convener of the group, Victor Chikwendu at the weekend in Port Harcourt, explained that the group is a coalition of over thirty political pressure groups that cut across party lines in southern Nigeria.
It further clarified that members of the group which cut across the two Nigerian major political parties, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressive Congress (APC), came together with the sole aim of defending and protecting the rights and interests of the south within the Nigerian entity.
It said the group at the meeting over the weekend, ratified the positions zoned to different geo-political zone in the south as well as ratifying and adopting the convener, Mr Victor Chikwendu as its Director-General (South East) while Mr Fortune Oyadonghan takes the position of Chairman (South South) and Adejumo Ojo Ebeneezer as Secretary (South West).
Other approved positions to run the affairs of the group were also zoned thus. Head of Publicity and communication (South South), Head of Mobilisation and Organization (South East) and Head of Legal and Policies ( South West).
The group has pledged to collaborate with major political stakeholders irrespective of political leanings and targets.
The statement in part reads:
‘’Formation of Coalition of Southern Groups meeting was convened by Victor Chikwendu on Saturday, the 24th of July 2021 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State with representatives of over 30 political pressure groups in All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other political fronts in attendance.
‘’The key aims and objectives are to protect the interest of Southern Nigerians by building on equity, justice and fairness, to advocate for a secured political environment amongst the Southern States of Nigeria through creation of awareness for peaceful integration and to support the decisions and resolutions of the Southern States Governors in its entirety.The group after extensive deliberations resolved to work together for peace, social political growth and development in the Southern States of the Federation.
