Abuja – President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday said that national interest
would override any personal ambition or sectional agenda in his decision
to seek re-election in 2015 or not.
Jonathan, who stated this in his Eid-El-Kabir message to Muslim faithful
in the country, called on all political leaders to do the same.
He felicitated with the Muslims and urged them to use the occasion to pray
for the peace, progress and unity of the country as well as the success of
the 2015 general elections.
He said, “my administration has done its sincere best in the past four
years to implement its agenda for national transformation and move our
country forward on several fronts.
“I thank many individuals, stakeholders, groups, associations,
non-governmental organisations, unions and political leaders across the
country.
“In recognition and appreciation of our efforts and commitment to
reposition our dear nation for more rapid growth and development, they
have 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 political leaders in the country to place the overriding
interest of the wellbeing and progress of our fatherland above all other
considerations in the coming campaigns and elections,’’ he added.
The president urged the political class to rise above “unedifying,
unpatriotic and selfish personal interests and divisive sectional agenda
in the coming national elections.”
According to him, the call has become necessary following the issuance of
a formal notice of the impending general elections by the Independent
National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the week.
He said that with the official election notice, another national campaign
season was now truly upon the country.
Jonathan urged all political actors to commit themselves to the sustenance
of democracy and political stability in the country.
These, he added, were essential ingredients for the advancement of good
governance, inclusive economic growth and rapid development of the nation.
He admitted that the country had continued to face critical challenges in
some areas in spite of the significant progress it had made in the past
four years.
“However, I am convinced that if we persevere and continue to build
diligently on what the present administration has achieved, we will surely
overcome all hindrances.
“We will also fully establish a stronger, more united and prosperous
nation that meets the aspirations and yearnings of all of our people,” he
said.
The president congratulated all Muslims in the country and believers who
undertook this year’s Hajj as enjoined by Prophet Mohammed.
“As they conclude the rites of the Hajj and prepare to return home, let us
all join them in offering special prayers for greater security, peace,
unity and progress in our dear country.
“We should also use the occasion to pray for the peaceful and successful
conduct of next year’s general elections.
“As we celebrate the Eid-El-Kabir, let us rededicate and commit ourselves
to the Holy Prophet’s injunctions of piety, honesty, charity and
generosity to the less privileged, impartial leadership and true justice
for all.
“These virtues and lessons will surely stand our nation in good stead as
we continue our journey towards the fulfillment of our founding fathers’
vision of a great nation.
“May Allah’s blessings be upon all our compatriots who have undertaken the
Hajj this year and on our dear country.
“I wish all Nigerians currently in the Holy Land a safe journey back
home,” the president said. (NAN)