Date Published: 05/16/11

SGF: Group canvasses support for Agbakoba

A pro-South East/South South Group, the South South-South East Development Group (SSSEDG) has called on President Goodluck Jonathan to appoint civil right lawyer, Barrister Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), as the new Secretary to the Government the Federation, SGF.

In a press statement signed by the leader of the group, Prince Elias Odoemena, they predicated their choice for Agbakoba on the need for an individual of impeccable character and good record of public service who is of Igbo origin like Olisa Agbakoba to be appointed for the job.

The group also said that since apex leadership of the People Democratic Party, PDP has zoned the position of the SGF to the Igbo – Speaking South East, they urged the president to ensure that only an Igbo was appointed for the job, considering the overwhelming majority vote support the South East zone gave to President Jonathan in the concluded April 2011 President Election.

“The appointment of an Igbo man of impeccable character and record of public service like Barrister Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) would ensure the success of President Goodluck Jonathan Administration in the next four years”, the statement said.

The group also called on the leaders and people of the South East to show understanding with the president in his attempt to carry along all and sundry for the good of the country. We therefore call on all our brothers and sisters who are aggrieved over the Speakership of the House of Representatives question to forgive and show understanding with President Goodluck Jonathan.

The group however warned that the South East people would not take kindly to a situation where “well known bad ambassadors of Igboland’’ would be given the job of SGF that require competence and good character record. “Ndigbo would consider it one of those gratuitous insult usually perpetrated against the Zone where Igbo sons and daughters with bad record and poor public popularity will be given the job of SGF by this government”, the group said.

They described the former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) as a dynamic and credible lawyer in the class of INEC chairman, Prof Attahiru Jega who would not fail the country and the government that appointment him. They also described Agbakoba as a source of inspiration and pride to younger Nigerians and Ndigbo in particular.

“Agbakoba will bring instant credibility to the office of the SGF and Jonathan’s administration.” The group concluded.