President Goodluck Jonathan on
Saturday took his re-election campaign to Daura, the home town of his
major contender, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), with a vow to wield the
big stick against those behind the news that his government was planning
an Interim National Government.
He restated his position that the
nation’s general elections would on March 28 and April 11 as scheduled
by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Jonathan spoke when he paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Faruk Umar.
He was accompanied on the visit by the
National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Adamu Muazu; members
of the PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation; top government
functionaries and prominent northern leaders.
Jonathan said he should not be accused
of haunting people once he decides to deal decisively with those
spreading the news of ING after he had made his position known that such
move was treasonable.
He said, “Let me use this opportunity to
make a statement again because sometimes I read in the papers of people
talking about interim government.
“Even yesterday (Friday), some people were making pronouncements that some people are planning interim government.
“And I will say that anybody who is
planning or who is linked to anything that has to do with interim
government must be dealt with according to the law. It is treasonable
and government will not allow it.
“So, if people are arrested and being prosecuted, people should not say government is haunting people.
“There is no reason why people should
talk about interim government that is not known to our constitution. It
is treasonable and I will advise Nigerians to keep away from it.”
Noting that elections must hold as
scheduled, the President said, “Elections are coming on March 28 as
scheduled by INEC and on April 11 for governors and state assemblies as
scheduled by INEC.
“Nigerians should prepare to go and vote
for those we believe that can run the affairs of the country at the
state level and the federal level”.
Jonathan took time to highlight his
administration’s achievements in the last four years in the areas of
education, transport and health among others to the traditional ruler.
He said he was ready to do more if re-elected on March 28.
On his part, the Emir thanked the President for the visit and told him to always count on his support and counsel.
He urged Jonathan to ensure there is peace throughout the country during the forthcoming national elections.
The royal father and his council of chiefs offered prayer for the president.
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