Jonathan ‘under pressure’ to run in 2015

President Goodluck Jonathan says he is under pressure to seek another term in office but he will consider the interest of the country before taking a stance on the issue.

In his Eid-el-Kabir message to the nation, the president noted that the announcement of the schedule for the 2015 election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has opened the gate for campaigns. He therefore urged politicians to work towards the election.

“With this week’s issuance of a formal notice of the impending general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), another national campaign season is now truly upon us,” he said in a statement signed by his spokesman, Reuben Abati.

“I urge all political leaders in the country to place the overriding interest of the well-being and progress of our fatherland above all other considerations in the coming campaigns and elections.

“I thank the many individuals, stakeholders, groups, associations, non-governmental organisations, unions and political leaders from across the country who have, in recognition and appreciation of our efforts and commitment to repositioning our dear nation for more rapid growth and development, urged me to seek a second term in office.

“In deciding on an appropriate response to such calls, I will place the greater interests of national harmony, cohesion, unity, security, political stability, progress, equity, justice and fairness above any personal ambition or sectional agenda.

“I urge all other political leaders in the country to do the same. Let us all rise above unedifying, unpatriotic and selfish personal interests and divisive sectional agenda in the coming national elections.”

Jonathan wished the Muslim faithful a happy Sallah celebration, urging them to pray for the progress of the country.

“I greet and felicitate with all our countrymen and women of the Islamic faith as we celebrate this year’s Eid-El-Kabir,” he said.

“As we celebrate the Eid-El-Kabir, let us also rededicate and commit ourselves to the Holy Prophet’s injunctions of piety, honesty, charity and generosity to the less privileged, impartial leadership and true justice for all.

“These virtues and lessons will surely stand our nation in good stead as we continue our journey towards the fulfillment of our founding fathers’ vision of a great nation.

“May Allah’s blessings be upon all our compatriots who have undertaken the Hajj this year and on our dear country. I wish all Nigerians currently in the Holy Land a safe journey back home.”

Maintaining that his administration had recorded laudable achievements, Jonathan expressed optimism that the challenges facing the country would soon be over.

“My administration has done its sincere best in the past four years to implement its agenda for national transformation and move our country forward on several fronts,” he said.

“In spite of the significant progress we have made, our dear nation continues to face critical challenges in some areas.

“I am convinced however that if we persevere and continue to build diligently on what the present administration has achieved, we will surely overcome all hindrances and fully establish a stronger, more united and prosperous nation that meets the aspirations and yearnings of all of our people.”