The Obidient Movement held a landmark symposium in Onitsha, Anambra State, on Saturday where the National Coordinator of the movement, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, declared that the South East region has, in fact, “produced a president” in His Excellency Peter Obi.
Speaking to a mammoth crowd at All Saints’ Cathedral, Dr. Tanko reflected on the movement’s journey and the realization of the South East’s long-held dream of a presidential candidate from the region.
He recalled a lecture he delivered in 2020 in Awka, where he first emphasized the need for leadership from the South East, a call that was later championed by Peter Obi.
“It is significant that today, we can proudly say that the South East has produced a president in Peter Obi, who has become the face of our collective vision for a better Nigeria,” Tanko said, as he highlighted the region’s central role in shaping the nation’s future.
Dr. Tanko shared the history and values of the Obidient Movement, which emerged from the national demand for good governance and justice.
He traced the movement’s momentum back to the 2020 Lekki massacre, which catalyzed young Nigerians to take action and demand change.
He emphasized the movement’s commitment to integrity, accountability, and empowerment, values that have gained increasing support across the country.
“We are not calling for arms,” Tanko stressed, quoting Nelson Mandela: “We choose to fight for a better Nigeria.” He explained that the movement’s fight is one of mindset and attitude change, emphasizing the need to shift from a “Consumption to Production” economy, where every citizen has equal opportunities to succeed.
The National Coordinator also spoke passionately about the resilience of the South East, highlighting the hardworking spirit of its people, and urged them to unite for a brighter future.
“The South East has long been isolated, yet it remains a land of productivity and resilience. We are the sons and daughters of warriors, and we must rise to demand a Nigeria that works for all,” Tanko said.
As the event concluded, Tanko reaffirmed the movement’s mission: to create a Nigeria that is just, fair, and prosperous for all its citizens. “Nigeria needs you as much as you need Nigeria,” he said, encouraging the people of the South East and all Nigerians to unite for a common cause.
Tanko called for solidarity across ethnic, religious, and party lines, urging everyone to stand against injustice and corruption, and work together to ensure that Nigeria becomes a nation where everyone can thrive. “Together, we can build a nation that is the envy of the world,” he concluded.
The symposium, which marked another milestone for the Obidient Movement, underscored its continued push for a democratic leadership that is accountable to the people, with Peter Obi at the forefront of the movement’s call for a better, more inclusive Nigeria.