2015: Why Jonathan Wants To Run

At last the waiting game over whether President Goodluck Jonathan would run for reelection in next year’s general election has come to a glorious climax yesterday when he announced his willingness to go for it.

The President who excited many Nigerians with the stoic pose he truck during his brief but remarkable address at the Eagle Square venue of his open declaration, as he reeled out project after another that his administration has completed, is on-going or plans to embark on, the surging happy joyous crowd literally became uncontrollable.

He used the opportunity to reveal that he was propelled by the zeal to complete the projects, put more smiles on the faces of Nigerians, and to transform the nation’s economy beyond reproach before passing the baton of leadership to another person.

It was celebration galore yesterday at the corporate headquarter of the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN) Abuja as well as other states of the federation monitored over the phone,?following the President’s?acceptance and declaration in keeping with?the patriotic call of millions of Nigerians who are yearning for?continuation of his transformation revolution?that has positively impacted the national life in all sectors.

Alhaji Fatai Shodimu, who spoke on behalf of commercial road workers shortly before the historic declaration stated that Dr Jonathan is first and only president who has ever done something concrete to support the over ten million people who are engaged in the sector.?He pointed out that the president’s revolution in the area of road reconstruction and rehabilitation has been of immense contribution to the maintenance of their vehicles.

Major Lancelot Anyaya also gave thumb up for the president as the most?agriculture?friendly leader?which has resulted in farmers getting soft loans, grants, e-wallet, high-yielding seedlings,?fertilizers and other facilities with the resultant effect of drastically?reducing the nation’s food import bill.

Chief Olabode Geoge,?on behalf of the South-West?noted that no other president has ever impacted the zone positively as the incumbent pointing out that Jonathan would soon be endorsed publicly at the Yoruba Unity Summit.

Former Senate President,?Ken Nnamani said that never again will Ndigbo suffer marginalization because of the president’s systematic empowerment. He noted that the Igbos will support Dr Jonathan so that the second Niger Bridge will not become a shattered dream of abandoned project.?He expressed the optimism that the poor condition of Onitsha-Enugu express road and Enugu-Portharcout? road can only get attention under a watchful eye of the transformation agenda exponent.

The Senate President,?David Mark in his remark said that Nigeria is in need of a leader who can be trusted, inspirational and reliable, qualities which he said are personified by Dr Jonathan.?He pointed out that the National Assembly is in full support of the reelection of the incumbent president so that he can consolidate on his transformation agenda for the country. He?said that the endorsement of Dr Jonathan by the PDP is a new chapter in the political history of the nation which he said is in line with what is obtainable in advanced democracies.

The Vice President, Namadi Sambo described Jonathan as a?blessing to the nation and citizens, as he is?very considerate and is a good?listener?who can guarantee a steady progress if given another mandate to pilot the affairs of the country.

The president who formally accept to run in the 2015 general elections at exactly 2.06pm thanked Nigerians for the confidence reposed in him when he sought for their mandate in 2010.

Dr Jonathan noted that the journey has been a very difficult one most especially because of the challenges? posed by insurgents. He expressed the optimism that the war against terror would be won just as was the case with Ebola virus.

He recounted the measures he has initiated to alleviate the sufferings of the victims which according to him included: President Initiative for North-East, Safe School Initiative in North East and Victim Support Fund in which over N60b was raised in conjunction with the organized private sector.

The president also recalled the reforms he has caused in the power sector, aviation, oil and gas with increase in local content, education which led to establishment of fourteen federal universities under his watch. While 150 Almajiri schools were also set up in the north.

Dr Jonathan said that the over 14 million farmers out which 2 million are women have never had it so good pointing out that his administration has eradicated corruption in the agric sector which has always been its bane, the war against corruption he noted would be extended to other sectors for maximal productivity.

He said that 6000 ghost workers were weeded out of the federal service and that the youths and women were handsomely empowered by his administration.

The president said that his government has invested $12m in petrochemical companies to enhance productivity and employment.

Dr Jonathan appreciated the PDP, NGOS particularly Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN), Cattle Rearers, National Association of Widows and others for contributing toward the purchase of his nomination form. He said that he got to the conclusion of seeking a reelection after seeking the face of God on the matter and was deeply encouraged by the zealous affection of all Nigerians for his administration.

Dr Godwill Akpabio who spoke with journalists shortly after the epoch making presidential declaration thanked Dr Jonathan for heeding the patriotic call of all Nigerians.