FORMER governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah, on Friday, unveiled a new political pressure group called “The Compatriots” ahead of the 2023 general election. The Chairman of the Compatriots, Attah, in his address during its maiden press conference in Abuja, listed other members of the group to include the spokesman of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed as Deputy Chairman and Prince Tom Iseghohi as Chief Operating Officer (COO).
He said the group was out to work with relevant socio-political stakeholders to reinvent Nigeria by “promoting national cohesion, good governance, peace and prosperity.” He said the strategic objectives of the group are: “To mobilize the best intellectual resources in addressing the key challenges that are hindering the development of Nigeria as a strong and viable political and economic community. To promote a network of concerned Nigerians towards assisting in the improvement of governance at all levels as well as in the provision of social services.
“To involve Nigerian women at all levels and in all aspects of the activities of The Compatriots in order to become a role model for gender equality in Nigeria. To cultivate and assist in mentoring and leadership development initiatives so as to nurture younger generations into the mainstream of the Nigerian political economy. To assist in the development of the culture of social accountability in the Nigerian social formation with a view to expanding the political space, which will incubate harmonious partnerships between governments and the civil society.
“To play the role of a neutral Honest Broker and to provide a platform for discussion of all relevant local grievances of Nigerian communities in the context of Nigeria’s collective survival and development. To provide a compass for good governance and establish guard rails to prevent any individual or group of people from derailing the entire nation.” He added that the group had resolved that Nigeria can be, and must be transformed from “An Aspiring Nation” to “A Great Nation”.
“History has shown that multi-nationality, multi-ethnicity or even multi-racial and religious composition can be turned into a source of strength by a nation. Members of this group have decided that, though tribe and tongue may differ, we do not have to sing discordant tunes. We have therefore resolved, in the spirit of our National Anthem, to “Arise” to dedicate the remaining days of our lives to the service of Nigeria with the vision to re-invent a new and better Nigeria for every Nigerian.”
While answering questions from reporters, Attah said “assembling eminent Nigerians together was not an easy task. What we did therefore was to consult with all legitimate socio-cultural groups in the country. We are not backing any candidate but supporting the concept of good governance, peace and prosperity.” He also said the group would engage whoever emerges as the country’s president with the message that “it can no longer be business as usual. Nigeria has to change and there must be justice, equity and fairness for all.”
Other members of The Compatriots present at the press conference include Hajiya Inna Ciroma, Dr. Kabir Chafe, Maj. Gen. Zamani Lekwot (rted.), Maj. Gen. Saleh Maina (rted.), Nella Adem Rabana SAN, Hon. Mulikat Akande-Adeola, Amb. Goodnews Igali, Hon. Nkoyo Toyo, Senator Sefiu Adegbenga Kaka, Prof. Pat Utomi, Alhaji Mohammed Murtala Aliyu and Rev. Bitrus Dangiwa, among others.
Other members of the group listed on the text of the press conference include: Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, Pastor Tunde Bakare, Prince Niyi Akenzua, Dr. Dele Farotimi, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Hajiya Nene Lenval, Chief Silas Mak Akpa, Prof. Rahila Gowon, Dr. Enyantu Ifene, Hajiya Asmau Joda and Engr. Bello Suleiman.