Yobo meets Igbo community in Lagos
A FORMER Super Eagles Captain, Joseph Yobo, and some associates have called for peaceful elections this month.
The atmosphere was electrifying as a small crowd of select personalities representing the various pro-Jonathan groups in Lagos representing different sectors of the Igbo community gathered at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Festac Town, Lagos.
Ambassador of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ward-to-Ward Initiative and former captain of the national team, Joseph Yobo had called for the gathering and offered to host them to a dinner. Those present at the event included the co-ordinator of the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria, (TAN), Prince Eke Obi, Executive Director, Ifeanyi Ekwulugo, Dan Edokwe, Executive Director, Mrs. Uche Obiora, Women Leader, as well as Joseph Anurukem, Presidents of Enugu and Ebonyi States town unions, among others
Yobo told them that being their in-law (he is married to an Igbo woman), he flew from Abuja to meet and interact with them on issues of common good.
Yobo enjoined every Igbo man and woman to vote for President Goodluck Jonathan. He said this could only be achieved in a peacful and convivial atmosphere, where there is no rancour. He therefore challenged Nigerians, particularly the youths to resist any attempt by those he described as desperate politicians to use them to foment trouble before, during and after the forthcoming presidential elections.
He said: “Nobody should allow those who want to cause trouble have their way. The youths of this country must stand up and support what is good and say no to evil.” All Nigerian youths must work towards a free, fair and violence free elections. Those fanning the embers of war have taken their families abroad. So, don’t be deceived.”
Yobo, a self-confessed “strong supporter” of Jonathan’s re-election bid said this when he hosted numerous
Explaining the essence of the dinner which was attended by TAN representatives of market women, traders unions, community development associations, youth organizations, among others, Yobo said he was in Lagos to see his ‘in-laws’ and convey the good wishes of the President to them for their support.
The former Everton star said his support for the President was total. “It is my personal conviction because I believe he is the best man to lead Nigeria. He has achieved so much despite the countless distractions, and he has promised to do more,” Yobo said. “When you hear the President speak, you hear facts, realities and achievements.”
TAN Yobo said Jonathan’s achievements have gone unsung. “But they are there for all to see,” he retorted.
He thanked TAN members and promised to be present with members of the PDP Ward to Ward Initiative at the mega rally planned for Lagos on Sunday by TAN. “We will join them in solidarity because we are pursuing the same cause.”
Responding, coordinator of the TAN, Prince Eke Obi welcomed Yobo, noting that being an inlaw, he was now one of their own. “You are now our son and we have realised that we are on the same page. Even before you came to us, we had since declared our support for President Jonathan to continue for another term,” he said.
Yobo further described Jonathan as a humble person who has the interest of the nation at heart, “I remember when he came to visit us in camp when we were training, and he sat for over 45 minutes and watched us train.”
The event witnessed speeches, solidarity songs and dance particularly by the market women.
