Do Not vote President Jonathan again, Northern Elders Warn, endorse Buhari

The Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF) has urged Nigerians to reject President Goodluck Jonathan in the next month’s general election.

They urged people not to re-elect President Goodluck Jonathan in the forthcoming February 14 polls.

NEF, under the leadership of Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Sule urged Nigerians to rally round and support the All Progressives Congress presidential candidate, Maj-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.), and his running mate, Prof.Yemi Osinbajo.

NEF said it endorsed Buhari/Osinbajo for the presidency because the former Head of State “is a better candidate compared to President Goodluck Jonathan”.

NEF stated its position Wednesday while addressing newsmen in Kaduna through its Secretary who is also former Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and Prof. Ango Abdullahi.

He said a vote for Buhari/Osinbajo would end the fear, impunity and destitution, which had characterised the Jonathan administration in the country.

He said, “The Northern Elders Forum has welcomed the emergence of General Muhammadu Buhari as a presidential candidate, who has better credentials to lead Nigeria out of its current challenges than President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

“Our endorsement of General Muhammadu Buhari, in the same manner Nigerians from all parts of the country are supporting his candidacy, is based on our belief that he and his running mate, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, have the integrity, commitment and experience to resolve our security problems, fight corruption and fix our economy.

 “We welcome the overwhelming nation-wide support they are enjoying, and we appeal to all Nigerians to support them to a victory that will end fear, impunity and destitution in our land.”

According to Abdulahi, the February polls must hold under the most secure and peaceful conditions possible, adding that “we have no doubt that the administration of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is in a position to guarantee this, if it wishes.”

Abdullahi, also, a former Adviser on Food Security to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, said, “The forum is aware of sentiments being canvassed by anti-democratic forces that an unconstitutional Interim National Government or a similar illegal arrangement should be put in place to stop the forthcoming elections.

 “We urge them as well as other presidential, governorship, national and state Assembly candidates to sign statements, urging disciplined, responsible and peaceful campaigning”.

Photo: Jonathan and Emirs of Northern Nigeria