Jonathan will do a better job as president, says Bala Mohammed

Bala Mohammed, governor of Bauchi, says he is contemplating a presidential bid but will drop his ambition if former President Goodluck Jonathan decides to contest.

Mohammed spoke on Thursday after a non-governmental organisation (NGO) asked him to consider running for the presidency.

The governor said Jonathan has experience and would do a good job if he has the mandate to manage the country.

“With regard to your call for me to present myself, I am still contemplating my chances as the leader of the opposition,” Channels Television quoted him as saying.

“I know there are good leaders within the PDP, especially my boss Goodluck Jonathan.

“I have always said that as long as Jonathan is around, I will not present myself for leadership of this country, unless he decides not to run.

“If we can persuade him to come forward, I will support him with my blood. Out of modesty, he is still not ready. I hope you will meet him and encourage him to run.

“He will do a better job because he has the experience. We know the prices of things; we know the level of inflation.

“During Jonathan’s regime, he was inclusive, addressing issues like the Almajiri system and creating initiatives for unemployed youths.

“His leadership recruitment was exemplary. We need leaders like him—young people with energy, foresight, and drive.”

The governor added that his criticisms of the administration of President Bola Tinubu are part of his responsibility to help put the country on the right path.