16th July, 2010
Pro democracy and human rights activists at an inter-ethnic nationalities conference have appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan not to contest the presidential election in 2011.
In a communique issued after the conference organised by the Coalition of O’odua Self Determination Groups in Lagos (COSEG), the activists explained that the perceived presidential ambition of the president was creating confusion and generating undue tension in the polity.
The activists, including Comrade Dayo Ogunlana, Chairman of Coordinating Council of COSEG; Barrister Ehile Manasseh of the Igede Youth Movement; Dr. Tony Nwaezeigwe of the Igbo Peoples Congress (IPC) and others called on President Jonathan to heed their plea and concentrate on preparing the country for a credible election.
They argued that a credible atmosphere is impossible under the present atmosphere. “It is becoming impossible for the mass of our people to accept the fact that an incumbent who is running for a position cannot guarantee a fair and free election based on our past experience as a people,” they stated in their communique.
The activists advised President Jonathan to concentrate on governance and apply a bit of prudence in the management of our resources.
“We wholeheartedly condemn the N9 billion budgeted for the celebration of the country’s independence anniversary,” they added.
They also canvassed for a special status for Lagos as the former capital of Nigeria.
“The conference recognises the fact that Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola has performed honourably and excellenly well, he should therefore be appreciated and supported for a second term in office,” the activists stated.
—Babalola Lanre