South-East traders makes u-turn, endorse Jonathan

Obiano and South-East markets leader

The re-election bid of President Goodluck Jonathan received a boost Thursday as traders in the South-East announced their endorsement of his candidature for the February 14 presidential election.

The traders, under the aegis of South-East Traders Association, made the announcement at a meeting with Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State in Awka.

Chairman of the association, Chief Eze Nwankwo, said the traders had also adopted all the candidates contesting on the platform of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, in the zone as their candidates.

Nwankwo disclosed that the decision of the group to throw its weight behind Jonathan and APGA candidates in the forthcoming elections was influenced by the intense lobbying by Obiano.

He commended the governor for his determination, magnanimity and support to traders in the area and assured him that “Ndigbo will take their rightful position in the country.”

He said the association, with members in Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states, supported the strategic vision of APGA under its current leadership.

Obiano thanked the association for resolving to adopt Jonathan and APGA candidates, adding that only Jonathan would guarantee a peaceful Nigeria, devoid of discrimination and extremism.