Jonathan: Politicians tell so many lies

Goodluck Jonathan, former president of Nigeria, has described politicians as liars, advising young people not to get swayed by their words.

Speaking on Saturday at the presentation of the flag of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to Seriake Dickson, governor of Bayelsa and the party’s candidate in Saturday’s election, Jonathan asked the people to assess all those seeking their votes.

He said it was up to them to decide if they wanted to use their ballots to take the state forward or backward.

“For the Bayelsa young people, do not be carried away by politicians. Politicians are people of many words, they go to so many places, talking to so many people and telling so many lies,” he said.

“Do not listen to what people say, but assess what people have done over the period.

“Most of the candidates are well known to you, so it is the choice of Bayelsa young people to vote for development of this state or to vote for the retrogression of this state. It is the choice of Bayelsa young people to vote for education of our youths or to vote for the retrogression of our young people.

“The choice is ours and I think you will think beyond yourselves. At our age, we are looking down, we are not looking up, whether you like it or not.

“So, think about your children and your grandchildren, think about building a state for your children and grandchildren, do not think about what you will swallow in the morning.”

Jonathan, who said he was proud of Dickson’s record, appealed to the people to re-elect him.

“I believe that the steps so far taken by Dickson has shown that he wants development of this state,” he said.

“Dickson has encouraged development in this state. He is committed, he has that vision and all the projects he has been carrying on show that the young man is seeing Bayelsa beyond today. No leader can change a nation if you do not see beyond your nose.

“I am telling the young people, this election is not for Jonathan and Dickson, the election is for you to vote for your liberation, to live in peace and to live in developed society.”