Seasoned and Intelligent Politicians all over Nigeria are of the Opinion that 2015 is two years down the road and it is unhealthy to discuss political activities particularly who occupies the Aso Rock villa or not.
Same thought occupies great minds in most of the States where general elections will be due for 2015 especially Rivers, Akwa-Ibom and several others.
Before the clamour of who occupies Aso Rock in 2015 gears up as it is now, it could be noted that the overthroned ruler and one time Head of State from the Northern extraction Gen. Muhamadu Buhari (rtd) first broke the balloon; when he said 2015 will be bloody if what happened in 2011 repeats itself in 2015.
Retired General Buhari with all due respect had indicated interest for re-trial, vying or contesting the 2015 presidential poll which he had failed to win several years ago.
Some Nigerians thought it was too early to mention not even to discuss about the next two years because there are high expectations to actually reap the dividends of Democracy from the sitting government of the various states and federal government, as well.
Many believe that the mention of 2015 is a call for distraction rather than concentration by those in power.
The Noise, as I believe by Rtd General Buhari was an alert to every political party to begin preparation against the very year in question. It also signaled that some opposition political parties are already warming up for 2015, an event that will be too interesting to watch.
The Boko Haram intimidation or groups are not left out in this alertness for 2015 general election in the country.
If one listens to the various mouths that warbles it will be observed that the ruling Peoples Democratic Party PDP remains unshaken, resolute, quiet and focused, applauding the activities of the present administration of president Jonathan. The PDP sometimes will appeal for patience with the government stating that the transformational agenda of the present government is on course.
Few months ago it was rumoured and high lighted in some Daily and Weekly Tabloids that Nigeria’s past President and former Chairman PDP Board of Trustees Chief General Jeremiah Olusegun Aremu Okikiola Obasanjo had endorsed Governors Sule Lamido of Jigawa and Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers as PDP candidate and running mate for 2015 presidential race.
The moment I glanced through the content of the purported Obasanjo endorsement publication I asked people very simple questions that no answer has been provided till date. The questions include, People especially from the Niger Delta region are lamenting that President Goodluck Jonathan has done nothing for the people since assumption of office; Is it with a vice president that they could achieve what eluded them (if at all there is any) Again, we had vice-president prior to the death of Alhaji Yar’Adua and now certain people are advocating for same Vice Presidency, other than another Presidency or 8year of two tenure, are we progressing or retrogressing? Lastly what were our achievements when we had Vice-President and now?
In all these, the presidency seems not bothered but quiet and going about ensuring that the transformation agenda works.
It therefore behoves the schemers for the 2015 Presidency to sheet their swords and think of what to do in moving the country forward especially now that the Boko-Haram seems to have taken-over the Northern States.
The defeaning noise from certain parts of the North about who occupies the Aso Rock in 2015 to me indicates that it is painful for one to be in office more than a term not even as stipulated by the country’s constitution. Hence I say, if two terms in office is a crime against humanity, let the South-South commit that crime irrespective of who represents her. You know why; if even a military Head of State would occupy the presidency for more than Eight-years, yet wants to come back again as an elected President then the South-South can occupy it for Sixteen years, particularly as she is the power base of the country.
However, from my experience on how the ruling Peoples Democratic Parties, PDP operates and in line with the nations Constitution even as events are unfolding, I could say that President Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan GCFR for sure
run for the 2015 general polls.
President Jonathan was about a year in office as substantial President after the demise of his boss Late, Umaru Yar’dua at the time the country was to select new leaders. Indications then revealed that he was not ready yet he never voiced it until the eve of time for Party nominations.
It has become a common phenomenon in Nigeria and even developed countries of the world that a sitting officer does not easily jump out to announce his interest but wait for calls, when he must have done his underground works and appropriate lobbying.
It is glaring that, even when president Jonathan have not said anything concerning the 2015 general elections but about the working of his policies people are now pressing on him to present himself for 2015 to enable him deliver on his campaign promises, vis-à-vis, retired General Buharis earlier indication to contest the election.
On Thursday 30th August, 2012 Anambrarians ceased the opportunity of Mr. President’s one day working visit to Anambra state to urge him to re-present himself for the 2015 general elections. See pages 1 &5 of the Daily Sun of Friday, August 31,2012 VoL.7 No.2446.
Back home here in the South-South region the people have restated their resolve to throw their weight behind their son and to stay in office for a constitutional 8years of two terms. What a pride that your household have reiterated their commitment for whatever reason to back you up for what is constitutionally right.
It is placed on record that, elders and leaders of the South-South geo-political Zone under the auspices of South-South peoples Assembly SSPA, have buried their political differences and resolved not to allow the region to be intimidated or harassed by Northern Leaders or any other group, to give up the constitutional right of president Goodluck Jonathan to hold office for Eight years.
The South-South region come up with this resolution in a meeting well attended by elders and leaders held in Warri, Delta State on Thursday September 6th, 2012 at the instance of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and former Minister of Information Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clarke. Let’s pause and think who are Clarke, Uduaghan and Gov. Obi to President Jonathan?
The 2015 wave have begun in earnest, beware. For confirmation perhaps you are not aware see pages 1,5,and 14 of vanguard, Friday, September 7, 2012 VoL.25 :No.6 1705.
One could recall that right at Awka, the Anambra State Capital where Mr. President was called upon to re-present himself for 2015, in his speeches all through the day he never commented on the offer by Anambrarians to recontest.
Similarly, on the instance of the SSPA, the presidency had never commented on it.
One would have expected the presidency to come up with a position on these wave of calls to contest in 2015, but remember silence is pregnancy.
The OBJ rumuored sponsorship of Governors’ Sule Lamido and Chibuike Amaechi has however been debunked in some Tabloids especially by officials of Government House Port Harcourt acting on the Governor’s capacity
Whether debunked or not, or presidency states her position or not, one could also recalled that the ruling PDP does not make their nominations in haste especially when the sitting officer has not say anything.
At this juncture, following the antecedents of leaders especially political office holders, it is most likely that President Goodluck Jonathan may contest the 2015 polls.
Knowing the power of the presidency and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and its Political weights, it is my opinion that Governors who are blessed or cursed with the peoples money should resist the temptation of trying or daring the power that be; or capitalize on president Jonathan’s gossiped weakness to insert their hands into the mouth of a shark. ###
ISSUES ABATTOIR
With James Mgboineme
