Jonathan not to blame for Nigeria’s woes, says Akiolu

Rilwan Akiolu, the foremost traditional ruler in Lagos, says that President Goodluck Jonathan should not be blamed for the problems of the country.

Akiolu said this when Jonathan, who flagged of his campaign in Lagos on Thursday, paid a courtesy visit to his palace.

The royal father said many of the country’s problems predate the Jonathan administration, maintaining that fighting corruption was the responsibility of every Nigerian.

“What will be, will be; God Almighty will give the best person the opportunity to lead this country,” he said.

“Mr President, God knows the best; I am happy; what I want are free and fair elections. I am happy that Mr President directed INEC to ensure that voter cards are distributed to every eligible member of the electorate.”

Pointing out that Lagos has more than six million eligible voters, Akiolu urged INEC to ensure the distribution of voters’ cards.

He also advised security agents against allowing themselves to be unfairly used against any citizen during the general election.

On the gubernatorial election in Lagos, the eminent ruler said both Jimi Agbaje of PDP and Akinwunmi Ambode of the APC are his children and that only God knows who would win.

He said that he had presented Ambode’s candidature for blessing at the 2014 Hajj in Saudi Arabia but noted that God would always have the final say.

The Oba expressed confidence that Nigeria would be more united after the elections.

Akiolu accused former President Olusegun Obasanjo of not treating Lagos well during his administration and leaving many problems unsolved in the country.

Earlier, Jonathan said that he came to the palace to pay homage to the royal father and sought his prayers and support for his ambition.

The president said that the Nigerian government under the PDP had done much for the country, contrary to claims by the opposition.

He said that his administration did not believe in blowing its trumpet but determined to meet the expectations of the citizenry.

Jonathan said that his administration had revived rail transport system, improved road network, created jobs and implemented policies aimed at economic advancement, among other achievements.