Jonathan`s visit to Borno, Yobe not for “Showmanship’’ – PDP

Abuja -  The PDP said on Sunday in Abuja that President Goodluck Jonathan`s recent visit to Borno and Yobe was to ensure genuine peace and development in the two states.

This is contained in a statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Olisa Metuh.

He said that the president`s visit to the states was not for “showmanship’’ but to ensure development of the economy of Northern states affected by insurgencies.

Metuh said that the condition given by Jonathan for the withdrawal of the Military Joint Task Force (JTF) from Borno was for the safety of the people.

He said the decision of the president to visit the two states showed his forthrightness and concern for the safety of Nigerians living in Borno and other troubled spots in the country.

Jonathan had prevailed on Borno elders to write an undertaking to take responsibility for further killings and destruction by the Boko Haram sect, if the JTF must be withdrawn from the state.

The president tabled the demand before Borno elders while he was on a visit to the state recently.

Metuh said that the president`s demand was a direct challenge to everyone, especially those from the troubled areas to rise to the challenge.

He said that the PDP understood and deeply shares in the worries of the Borno elders over the protracted insurgency in the region.

According to him, the party also appreciates the grave implications of the insurgency on the social and economic activities of some states in the North.

Metuh said that the PDP was in support of the condition given by the president for the withdrawal of JTF from Borno.

“The PDP fully aligns with the challenge of President Goodluck Jonathan to the Borno elders on their responsibility vis-a-vis the withdrawal of the military Joint Task Force.

“However, we deem it necessary that the elders accept this challenge and reflect in-depth on their pre-eminent position as cardinal portal of peace as connoted in the assertion by the president,” Metuh said.

He commended Jonathan for his discussion with the elders of Borno and Yobe and for sparing time to visit some orphanages, stressing that this was also an indication that the president had concern for vulnerable Nigerians.

The spokesman also commended the president for his humane approach and unrelenting commitment to the improved welfare of Nigerians and his approach in handling the situations.

Metuh expressed optimism that efforts of the Jonathan-led administration to address the country`s security challenges would succeed, following successes already recorded by the security agencies.
He appealed to those behind the violent attacks in the country to have a rethink , adding that “life is sacrosanct and nobody has the right to shed innocent blood under any guise”. (NAN)

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