Why We Formed ‘The Compatriots’, Attah, Baba-Ahmed, Speak

Some of Nigeria’s leading statesmen who Friday unveiled their new political pressure group, “The Compatriots” say their vision is to help work with others to reinvent Nigeria.

The Compatriots led by a former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah has some of the leading stars of the professions and politics cutting across different backgrounds as members.

Spokesman of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, is the deputy leader and among those who were present at the unveiling were Prof Pat Utomi, Hajiya Inna Ciroma, Dr. Kabir Chafe, Maj. Gen. Zamani Lekwot (rted.) and Maj. Gen. Saleh Maina (rted.).

Also present were city lawyer, 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 among others.

Attah at the press conference to unveil the group said members would work with relevant socio-political stakeholders to reinvent Nigeria by promoting national cohesion, good governance, peace and prosperity.

He said that the name of the group was taken from the wordings of the National Anthem to express the patriotic and nationalistic ideals.

According to him the core values of the group include to work for a: “Strong and united Nigeria; equity, justice and fairness for every citizen; realization of full potentialities of every Nigerian and protection of the rights of every Nigerian wherever he/she decides to reside.”

Noting the diverse political background of the members, Attah said they were united in their quest for for good governance.

“Members of this group have decided that, though tribe and tongue may differ, we do not have to sing discordant tunes,” he said.

He affirmed that the group would not endorse a presidential candidate affirming that it was more preoccupied with the sustenance of democratic rule under pushing forward good governance, peace and prosperity.

According to Attah, The Compatriots, 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.”

Also speaking at the occasion, the Deputy Chairman of the group, Dr. Baba-Ahmed while noting the non-partisan inclination of the group said:

“Our role will be to make sure that we help to create a conducive atmosphere that will facilitate the emergence of a leader who is voted by Nigerians, credible persons and a peaceful environment.

“We don’t have an interest in who becomes the Nigerian president, except to say that we hope the person will be a good leader that is supported by majority of Nigerians.”

Dr Oby Ezekwesili who was mentioned as one of the brains behind the group could not show up because of flight constraints.

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