By Adesina Soyooye
The first Igbo man, under a major political party in the country, to declare he would run for the seat of the President in 2023, Anyim Pius Anyim, has made another major move to put a stamp on the seriousness of his Presidential aspiration.
Anyim, a former Senate President under the President Olusegun Obasanjo Government, was also the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, under the Government of President Goodluck Jonathan.
A native of Ebonyi State, Anyim literally wiped tears off the eyes of his people, Ndigbo, when he declared he would run for the Presidential seat in 2023. Before his declaration, the “back talk” was that Ndigbo were not serious about occupying the seat. “They just talk. None of them has had the courage to openly say he would.” Anyim rubbished that impression of the Igbo by his bold step.
On Thursday, he raised the ante of his aspiration when he traveled to Minna, Niger State, to consult with, and brief two Statesmen, who nobody can ignore, former Heads of State, Generals Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar. He went to seek their guidance and counsel over his aspiration.
The two men, sources close to the closed door discussion he had with them, separately, were delighted to see him, and were impressed with his presentation, and deep grasp of the issues that affect country.
They were effusive in their praises and description of the former Senate President as a man of honour, genuine, patriotic and courageous.
In a post on his verified Facebook page, Anyim wrote of the visit: “Today (Thursday), I was received in a private audience by two of our nation’s esteemed leaders and patriots. I met with former President Ibrahim Babangida and former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar.
“I consulted with them on my intention to contest for the presidency of our beloved country. Both leaders are rich in vision and deep in grasp of our history. They were generous with their wise counsels.
“I am further emboldened in the conviction that I can make significant contributions in our collective quest to consolidate democracy, build a stronger and more united Nigeria.
“I feel very enriched and invigorated. Long live Nigeria.”
Anyim, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, declared on the day of the PDPÂ National Convention, in Abuja, that he would, whether his party zones the seat to the South-east or not, contest for it.
Humble, Senator Anyim, a lawyer, has friends and associates across the country.
