By Festus Ahon
UGHELLI—As controversy continues to trail the seeming zoning arrangement of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the country,  the  Uhrobo Political Forum, UPF, weekend, called on President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2011 presidential election.

It commended the President for commissioning the Delta State University Teaching Hospital and the Naval Logistic Command Headquarters, both in Oghara, during his one-day working visit to the state.

The UPF in a  statement after its meeting in Mosogar, said that the projects were initiated and completed by the Ibori/Uduaghan administrations.

The Forum said, “having taken into cognizance the de-tribalized and qualitative leadership provided by Dr Jonathan at this critical time of our national development, we call on him to contest for the Presidency in the 2011 general elections.

“We shall play a leading role at all stages leading to the general elections to ensure that Dr Jonathan emerges the President of the country. We congratulate and support Alhaji Namadi Sambo, the Vice President. We also congratulate and support Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, the National Chairman  of  the PDP, and urge every PDP member to support him for the overall peace, progress and success of the party.”

We congratulate and support Prof. Attahiru Jega, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

“UPF urge the people of Nigeria to give Jega every needed support to enable him manage the electoral process successfully. We advise all aspirants to various elective positions to conduct themselves peacefully and in line with the new electoral guidelines, as the country is determined to conduct a free and fair primaries and elections,” the communique added.

The Forum said that will launch the America chapter in Chicago on August 6, 2010 in furtherance of its bid to internationalize the goals and objectives of the Forum, adding “we appeal to all Urhobos to join hands with UPF believing that united we stand, divided we fall. We will continue to offer Urhobo people qualitative representation to ensure what Urhobo national interest is protected and promoted. We pledge our unflinching loyalty to the present State and Federal governments.