By Emma Arubi
WARRI—NORTHERN leaders in the country have been called upon to give their support to the 2011 presidential ambition of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.

Chairman of the Delta Elders, Leaders and Stakeholders Forum, Chief Godwin Ogbetuo, made the appeal while addressing hundreds of PDP delegates yesterday in Warri, Delta State, even as the body endorsed the President as their candidate for 2011 general elections.

The forum’s national leader, Chief Edwin Clark, told newsmen that he was optimistic that Dr Jonathan would take the nation to the promised land.

The forum particularly lauded the appointment of Attahiru Jega and Chief John Nwodo, as INEC and PDP Chairmen respectively, stressing that machinery should be set in motion for a hitch-free 2011general election.

“In furtherance of Mr. President’s desire to conduct credible, free and fair elections in 2011, the new INEC Chairman should begin a transparent voters registration exercise. We also wish Chief Nwodo to return PDP to the hands of party faithfuls so that PDP can witness internal democracy and excel in any future, free and fair elections”, said the forum helmsman.
In a statement jointly signed by Chief Ogbetuo, Prince A Abugo and Sir (Hon) Eddy Akangbou, publicity secretary and secretary respectively the forum further  urged the new PDP helmsman to end  imposition  being perpetuated by forces hiding under the noose of various State executives, especially in Delta.

“We are also urging the new national Chairman to avoid the circle of deceit being perpetuated in PDP by the former Chairman, Prince Vincent Ogbulafor and the factional Chairman, PDP in the State Mr. Peter Nwaboshi who is being goaded by the forces of darkness, undemocratic forces and conduct credible congresses in the State”, Said the forum and condemned the on-going deceit, bad governance in the State.
Consequently, the forum therefore urged the EFCC to immediately curb corruption in Nigeria , especially within the political class that is becoming endemic .

“We detest whole heartedly the various campaign of calumny being sponsored by the ex_governor and the present administration against our national leader, Chief Edwin Clark.

We also noted with disgust the campaign of character assassination of ethnic jingoist coated with political interest by persons going round the State that our leaders have endorsed a governorship candidate from his ethnic group,” noted the forum with disgust, explaining that Chief Clark cannot do such a thing.

The forum then commended Chief Clark for his steadfastness, commitment to the liberation of the long suffering of Delta people who have been held captive by the yoke of the cabals in the present administration in the State.