Jonathan Assures Diplomatic Corps Of Free And Fair Elections In April
President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday night assured the international community of his resolve to ensure free and fair elections and broaden the political horizon for even participation.
He also called for their support and common position in addressing the political problems in Cote d’Ivoire where he called for concerted action against what he described as impunity and use of State power to subvert the will of the people.
Jonathan stated while hosting members of the Diplomatic corps at the Banquet hall of the Presidential villa that his instincts of openness, accountability and inclusiveness has underpinned his resolute commitment to good governance and accountability.
He called for their support in the period which he described as critical, pointing at the primaries of various parties as a beacon to see that he showed the way for free and fair party primaries which other parties followed suit.
“Once again, I like to seize this opportunity to restate my administration’s commitment to sustaining our democracy through free, fair and transparent elections this year. You are all witnesses of the transparent conduct of the primaries of the ruling party, from which I emerged as the Presidential candidate.
“Following the conduct of party primaries, all the political parties and actors are set to engage in a fair contest in the upcoming general electionsâ€, he said.
While admitting the economic challenges which face the nation, he pledged that he was already committing the resources of the nation in building critical infrastructure that will usher in development and solve the problem of unemployment which has bedeviled the youths.
His words, “My administration is conscious of the economic challenges Nigerians are facing, and the urgent need to better the living conditions of our people.
We are committed to improving internal security and infrastructure, particularly in the area of power generation, which is critical for job creation for our teeming youthsâ€.
Jonathan pledged to continue working hard on the amnesty programme in the Niger Delta while he will he assured that breach of peace being reported in other parts of the country was receiving due attention.
He told them that as Chairman of Economic Community of West African States, he was on top of the situation in Cote d’Ivoire though it was a source of concern to them given the role in maintaining peace and security in the region.
He assured them that though they have been seeking peaceful solution to the problem in that country, they were not foreclosing any of the options that would bring peace to the restive country.
“Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, I must say that the situation in Cote d’Ivoire is volatile and needs the cooperation of the international community, including the United Nations, African union and ECOWAS in maintaining a united position to resolve it.
“Our priority remains the early resolution of this crisis within the context of ECOWAS principled stand against impunity and the use of State power to subvert the right of citizens to freely choose their leaders. However, as I steer ECOWAS in search of peace in Cote d’Ivoire, perhaps I should let you know that all options remain on the table. It is my expectation that Nigeria and indeed, ECOWAS can count on the support of your various governments in the quick resolution of the crisisâ€, he prayed them.
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