Americans Unite with Nigerians in Support of Buhari/Okadigbo USA Presidential Campaign

Washington, D.C. -- March 13, 2003 --The Buhari/Okadigbo Presidential Campaign USA continues to gain momentum as it announces today an alliance with concerned Americans led by Bobby E. Stafford, Esquire, a Commonwealth of Virginia attorney and human rights advocate.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Dr. Chinua Akukwe, Chairman Buhari/Okadigbo Presidential Campaign USA
1201 Pennsylvania Ave, Suite 300, Washington DC 20004
Phone: 202-661-4714
Fax: 202-661-4699
Email: info@buhariokadigbo.com
http://www.buhariokadigbo.com
                                                                                            

Americans Unite with Nigerians in Support of Buhari/Okadigbo USA Presidential Campaign

Washington, D.C. -- March 13, 2003 --The Buhari/Okadigbo Presidential Campaign USA continues to gain momentum as it announces today an alliance with concerned Americans led by Bobby E. Stafford, Esquire, a Commonwealth of Virginia attorney and human rights advocate.

When Stafford became aware that Nigerian-American professionals were rallying around Drs. Muhammadu Buhari and Chuba Okadigbo, candidates of the All Nigerian People Party (ANPP) in the upcoming Presidential election to be held on April 19, 2003, he said he felt an immediate need to support what he terms a chance for me and other Americans to champion the true interests of all Nigerians, and to assist in establishing a strong and responsible global reaction to the issues of integrity in the world community."

An attorney for over 27 years and an active member of both the American and Washington Bar Associations, Stafford is well renowned and respected and has enjoyed a successful career in litigation. He counts among his achievements an appointment as Commissioner for Magistrate selection for the United States District Court, campaign team member of former Virginia Governor and Senator Chuck Robb and service for eight years on both the Board of Visitors of Norfolk State University and Saint Pauls College. Little known is his familys service as gracious hosts to former President Lyndon B. Johnsons wife, Lady Bird, on the occasion when she was a guest in their home.

As evidenced in an open letter to Buhari-Okadigbo Presidential Campaign USA, Stafford contacted many friends and colleagues soon after he reviewed the proposed policies of the Buhari/Okadigbo team and he succeeded in securing additional support for their plans of balanced leadership for Nigeria. Citing the interests of many prominent business people, Stafford related to the Campaign USA team, This is only a small sample of the many Americans across the country who share my sentiments and those of Campaign USA...we believe that not only is the election of Muhammadu Buhari and Chuba Okadigbo important for Nigeria but that it may well be instrumental in setting a precedent for all oppressed nations."

Echoing the sentiments of the Buhari-Okadigbo Campaign USA Chairman, Dr. Chinua Akukwe, Stafford said he agreed with Akukwes estimation of the honest characters of both Buhari and Okadigbo and their combined vision for a Nigerian government accountable to its citizenship. Both Stafford and the many American supporters he has recently brought to Campaign USA remain firm in their convictions to impact a positive change for Nigerian citizens.

We are blessed to have such advocates on our side," said Dr. Chiedu Mbonu, Logistics Coordinator for Buhari-Okadigbo Campaign USA. We feel this is only the beginning of a very productive alliance for continued support of Drs. Buhari and Okadigbo, and already we are seeing more and more Americans showing interest in a true Nigerian democracy and it is a very good thing for the world community."

To schedule interviews with the Buhari/Okadigbo Presidential Campaign USA supporters or to receive additional press materials, contact cakukwe@att.net or phone 202-661-4714.

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March 13, 2003

Open Letter to the Membership of Buhari/Okadigbo Presidential Campaign USA:

    Thank you for inviting Americans to join your efforts in supporting the campaign of Presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, and Vice Presidential candidate, Chuba Okadigbo, representatives the All Nigerian People Party in the election to be held on April 19, 2003. I am honored to count myself among your membership as another fierce advocate of freedom and equality for the people of Nigeria.

    When I became aware that Campaign USA was calling on all Nigerian-Americans across the United States to support these candidates, I felt an immediate kinship with your cause. As a practicing attorney, I have witnessed many injustices and my experience has shown me that when people come together to fight oppression, change occurs for the betterment of all. This opportunity to join with Campaign USA represents a chance for me and other interested Americans to champion the true interests of all Nigerians, and to assist in establishing a strong and responsible global reaction to the issues of integrity in the world community.

    Reviewing the backgrounds of these outstanding and credible candidates, I am convinced of their integrity, the substantiality of their policies for a better Nigeria and their reception in the international community. To this extent, I have invited many Americans of influence and interests to join your promising campaign in endorsing their candidacy.

    Reginald L. Brown, Vice President of Oracle Corporation, is excited about the viability of the Buhari/Okadigbo ticket; Warren Thompson, owner of Thompson Enterprises, one of the nations largest food delivery service companies, told me that the upcoming election is an important occasion for all Nigerians and African-Americans; Former Brigadier General Norris W. Overton, USAF, now of Radcar Technology, Inc., speaks supportively of the Buhari/Okadigbo team; William E. Allen, President and CEO of TSCU, Inc., a manpower company, understands the importance of this campaign and supports its issues; Bank founder James F. McCall, former Lieutenant General, USA, gives great appraisal, a wish for success for the people of Nigeria and for a positive global effect; Dr. Hussian Bor, an International Attorney, understands the significance of the political thrust of the campaign and supports the need for global involvement; Felton Miller, President and CEO of Enabling Business Technology, a government engineering firm, is enthusiastic about this campaign and Charles Barber, retired military, an attorney and financial businessman, lends strong support to such candidates." This is only a small sample of the many Americans across the country who share my sentiments and those of Buhari-Okadigbo Presidential Campaign USA. We believe that not only is the election of Muhammadu Buhari and Chuba Okadigbo important for Nigerians, but that it may well be instrumental in setting a precedent for true democracy among the aspiring nations of the world.

    The time for a change" is how I, and all Campaign USA supporters, feel concerning this fresh and optimistic direction for Nigeria and we are pleased to be a helpful part of this challenging movement!

Best regards,
Bobby E. Stafford, Esq.

BBS/cmn