By Akpokona Omafuaire
WARRI—CHIEF Moses Bebenimibo, has called on Northern politicians to join forces with the South to support President Goodluck Jonathan to contest 2011 presidential election,  with a view to moving the nation forward.

Chief Bebenimibo, an opinion leader from Oporoza in Warri-South West Area of Delta State,  made the plea in Effurun, Delta State, yesterday, while reacting to the groups from the North routing for the return of President Jonathan.

His words, “what Nigeria needs is a good leader, an intellectual, irrespective of whether he is from a minority tribe, a leader that can carry every ethnic nation along in solving our problem of underdevelopment. So the call on President Jonathan not run by some persons is not good.  I believe  that the Northern leaders should form an alliance with the South to move Nigeria forward.”

He stressed that “separating ourselves when it comes to politics is not good. Oil is flowing to Nigeria’s account from the South, the North has its own contribution, our interest should be how to unite forces and develop the country.”

He added that Nigerians should be seen to have the unity and interest of the nation at heart.

Chief Bebnimibo said “recently, I was given a leadership award in Abuja by people outside my place, this is the spirit we should cultivate. I wonder why people who have benefited so much from the country’s wealth do not mean well for the nation’s unity.”