We have noted with regret the
mischievous effort by sections of the mass media to portray President Goodluck
Ebele Jonathan as an interested party and the main loser in yesterday’s
election of the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF).
Contrary to the impression of
Presidential partisanship and interference in the affairs of the Governors
Forum erroneously conveyed by some headlines in the media today, President
Jonathan who is currently leading Nigeria’s delegation to the African Union
Summit in Addis Ababa had no preferred candidate in the NGF elections and could
therefore not have been “floored” by any other candidate as some newspapers
sensationally reported.
President Jonathan has the greatest
possible respect for the Nigerian Governors Forum as an independent body of
mature, responsible, and knowledgeable elected political leaders who have a
critical role to play in strengthening democratic governance in the country,
and who are quite capable of running their own affairs without being
tele-guided, as some media reports misleadingly implied.
The President has always shown a willingness
to work harmoniously with any leadership freely and independently chosen by the
Governors Forum for the collective progress and development of all sections of
the country and will continue to do so.
He has not in the present instance
or ever before, interfered in elections to leadership positions in the
Governors Forum. Reports in the media which convey that impression are totally
off the mark and the handiwork of mischievous individuals and groups with the
intention of sowing the seeds of discord and disunity in the polity.
President Jonathan trusts that as
true democrats and respected national political leaders, members of the
Governors Forum will quickly resolve the issues and differences amongst them
which emerged yesterday and continue to contribute effectively to national
development as a strong, and progressive body.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
May 25, 2013
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This is one thing about the media since they are always looking for scoops!!
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