TAN Rally: South East Postmortem Whether in business, politics or social, once you define your goal and set the machinery to achieve it, the journey is half done. Some political watchers may have their reasons why they may never be on the same page with the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria TAN, a non-governmental organisation designed to promote good governance. But it may be hard for you to fault their style and means of delivery of their set objectives. According to TAN, it’s a body of like minds that consists of individuals of impeccable character fostering the continuation of transformation by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GEJ). The Group is comprised of professional men and women, youths, businessmen and women, artists, artisans, sportsmen and women, physically challenged persons, widows associations, Christian, Muslim and native religious groups, community, traditional and market leaders, opinion moulders and analysts, farmers, school teachers, trade unions and all masses of Nigeria committed to the ideals of good and quality leadership, order, unity, peace and progress of our nation under the Constitution. Among their missions is to assist and be part of the transformation of the second 100years of the existence of Nigeria into a nation that will visibly transcend the threshold of under-development, overcome the challenges of diversity and enthrone our collective vision of a nation where good governance, natural justice, equity and good conscience become the hallmarks of quality leadership which is in conformity with the status and standards of other developed nations of the World. The group since it’s inception has not minced word about their love for President Goodluck Jonathan and how they intend to anchor most of their activities on him. They infact drew their name from the transformation program of President Jonathan. More than any other group, government agency or political parties, TAN has remained in the forefront of projecting the achievements of President Jonathan. In fact the group has brought to the fore, achievements of President Jonathan in such a way that nobody can in reality ignore both the message and the messenger. When they announced recently that they were embarking on a nationwide rally to galvanise Nigerians across board to persuade President Jonathan to contest for 2015 Presidency, very few took them seriously. The Spokesman of TAN Dr. Udenta. Udenta had told a press conference that the rally was aimed at mobilising over 9 million Nigerians to sign TAN register as their own endorsement of the project of seeking to persuade President Jonathan to seek re-election in 2015. According to TAN the register was to be distributed to all the electoral wards in the country as well as the 774 local Government councils in the country. The rally was scheduled to kick off from the South East in Awka, Anambra State capital on August 16th and the train moves to Ibadan, Oyo state capital the next week of August 23 for the South West rally. On August 30th the train lands in the garden city, Port Hartcourt capital of Rivers State. From 13th September, the rally train will move up north and perch in Minna, capital of Niger State for the north Central rally, followed the following week20th September for the north East rally in Gombe, Gombe State capital and to Kano on 27th September for the north West rally. TAN said the mother of all rallies which would be the grand finale, in Abuja would come up on 30th September 2014 during which the verdict of Nigerians would be handed down to President Jonathan. The opening rally in the South East was by all standard a huge success. Alex Ekwueme square, venue of the rally in Awka was the focus of all attention on Saturday 16th where thousands of Ndigbo gathered in their color and candour to endorse the project. It was a who is who in the zone. Governor Theordore Orji of Abia State who is Chairman of South East governor’s forum led the pack from the executive arm, deputy speaker of the federal House of Representatives Hon. Emeka Ihedioha led the legislative arm while the Secretary to the Government of the federation SGF Senator Anyim Pius Anyim led the the Ndigbo federal team that included Senator Ben Obi. Conspicuously visible at the rally also was the immediate past Governor of Anambra State Peter Obi. From the private sector came Arthur Eze and Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu. There were also serving and former Ministers as well the royal and spiritual fathers. Also significantly present was one of the key ambassadors of TAN Dr. ifeanyi Ubah. Senator Uche Chukwemerije cannot be easily forgotten as he was loud with his supporters. The environment was electric and the organisation superb. Speaker after speaker highlighted the achievements of President Jonathan particularly in the South East before they unanimously endorsed the TAN project seeking to persuade the President not only to contest but that he remained the only Presidential candidate for Ndigbo. The success recorded in Awka has thrown huge challenge to the rest of the zones and South West the next stop hopes to prove to the rest of the country that contrary to media insinuation, President Jonathan was loved by many in the zone.
Posted on: Sat, 23 Aug 2014 08:09:03 +0000