Friday 3 October 2014

2015: I’ll shun personal, sectional agenda, says Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday promised that he would jettison personal ambition or sectional agenda in deciding whether or not to seek re-election in 2015.

Jonathan, who has since been endorsed as the sole presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, said his decision on the calls for him to contest in 2015 would be based on greater interests of national harmony and cohesion.

The President made the promise in his Eid-El-Kabir message made available to journalists by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati.

He urged all other politicians to borrow a leaf from him by rising above selfish personal interests and divisive sectional agenda in the coming national elections.

He said, “I thank the many individuals, stakeholders, groups, associations, non-governmental organisations, unions and political leaders from across the country who have, in recognition and appreciation of our efforts and commitment to repositioning our dear nation for more rapid growth and development, urged me to seek a second term in office.

“In deciding on an appropriate response to such calls, I will place the greater interests of national harmony, cohesion, unity, security, political stability, progress, equity, justice and fairness above any personal ambition or sectional agenda.

“I urge all other political leaders in the country to do the same. Let us all rise above unedifying, unpatriotic and selfish personal interests and divisive sectional agenda in the coming national elections.

“Let us also commit ourselves more to the sustenance of democracy and political stability which are essential prerequisites for the advancement of good governance, inclusive economic growth and rapid development.”

The President urged all political leaders in the country to place the overriding interest of the well-being and progress of the country above all other considerations in the coming campaigns and elections just as the Independent National Electoral Commission has issued a formal notice of the impending general elections.

Jonathan said his administration had done its sincere best in the past four years to implement its agenda for national transformation and move the country forward on several fronts.

He regretted that in spite of the significant progress the nation had made in the past four years, Nigeria continues to face critical challenges in some areas.

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