From Jeff Amechi Agbodo, Onitsha
The Movement for the Election of Nigeria President of Igbo Extraction (MENPIE) has lauded some elder statesmen like Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezife, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Edwin Clark and Dr. Bitrus Porgu for their wise and patriotic decision in endorsing the candidacy of Mr. Peter Obi of Labour Party as their consensus preferred Presidential candidate based on competence, capacity, capability, justice, selflessness and equity. 
The group said that the hope of this country depend on those who abhors and condemns injustices and takes decisive and courageous steps to eradicate it.
The National Convener of MENPIE Mr. Vincent Ezekwueme in a statement tagged “our efforts and labour shall never be in vain” commended Dr. Ezife led Igbo Elders Consultative Forum, Pa Adebanjo led Yourba Afenefere, Chief Clark led Southern and Middle Belt Forum and Dr. Porgu led Middle Belt Forum for their bold step to speak the truth despite pressures and inducements.
Ekwueme quoted Mahatma Gandhi ” the way of justice and truth will always triumph” and Edmund Burke “the hottest place in hell are meant for those who remain neutral in a period of moral crisis”.
“Pa Ayo Adebanjo has demonstrated in words and actions absolute integrity, remarkable patriotism, worthy nationalist, detribalised Nigeria and beacon of hope for new Nigeria of our dreams, hopes and aspirations.
“He always stand for what is right, fair and just regardless the consequence. His Afenifere endorsement of Obi is clear indication that Nigeria is ready and willing to embrace politics of meritocracy, inclusiveness, competence, conviction and conscience.
“The leader of Southern and Middle Belt Forum Chief Edwin Clark has always been on the side of justice, equity, good governance, egalitarian society and morality.
“The Middle Belt Forum led by Dr. Bitrus Porgu has been for their indispensable and relentless roles in championing and standing for justice, equity and egalitarian society in a patriotic quest to enthrone president of southeast extraction”.
The group however paid glaring tributes to apostles of social justice Late Balarabe Musa, Chief Gani Fawehmi and Chief Mbazulike Amechi for standing for elusive but much cherished President of southeast extraction.
“The greatest and best tributes to their memories is for all to work assiduously and conscientiously towards actualizing Nigeria President of Igbo extraction in 2023. We commend selfless efforts of Obidients Movement, Take Back Nigeria, Concern Elites and others.
“We will not relent untill God with our collective supports  and solidarity lead us to  paradise through electing good, God fearing and selfless leaders in 2023” Ekwueme stated.