IBB Congratulates President

15 Jan 2011
Views: 24
Font Size: a / A



Gen. Ibrahim Babangida has described President Goodluck Jonathan’s victory at the PDP primary as “not only personal but to all members of our great party, to lovers of peace, unity and progress; and to all those who believe in democracy and Nigeria.”
The retired general, who withdrew from the race for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, advised the president to be magnanimous in victory and carry along with him those who lost at yesterday’s event.


“This is the only way we can bury the intra-party differences and bitterness that preceded the primaries,” he stated.
The former head of state also sent special congratulations to Abubakar for putting up a gallant fight and braving all the odds to make an “impressive showing at the primaries.”


History, he said, will always give him a place of pride for his tireless efforts to enthrone democracy in Nigeria. “My admiration also goes to the woman of substance and courage who never gives up – Mrs Sarah Jibril - who has since 1993 sought at every opportunity to offer her services as president of this country.


“Even though she has not succeeded, history will one day say this is the woman who saw tomorrow when eventually Nigeria elects a woman president.”


He called on all party members to put behind the struggles and bitterness of the past. “This is time for fence mending so that we can achieve greater victory for the party,” IBB stated.


He also called on the party leadership at the national, state and local government levels to woo back all those who left the party as a result of their bitter experience over the conduct of the last primaries.


IBB advised that their complaints be looked into and their grievances redressed so that the party will move on to victory.
Senate President David Mark also added that the election of Jonathan/Sambo as the flagbearers of the PDP for the April general election reflected the thinking and wishes of Nigerians.


Mark said he was pleasantly surprised at the overwhelming endorsement of the Jonathan/Sambo ticket, noting that the investment in the PDP candidates would not be misplaced.


The senate president urged the PDP faithful and all Nigerians to remain steadfast ahead of the general elections in April.
He expressed optimism that the road map for economic recovery, aggressive programme for youth employment, power generation and distribution, as well as wealth creation outlined in the Jonathan/Sambo programme of action would get the nation out of the woods.
Similarly, governors from the South-east congratulated Jonathan, for his emergence as the PDP candidate in the forth coming April election.


Speaking on behalf of the South-east Governors’ Forum, Governor Peter Obi, who is the chairman of the forum, said the governors had always worked unanimously for the re-election of Jonathan and would not relent until he was elected.
Obi assured the president of the continued support of the region and thanked the PDP for electing him in an election that was transparent.


Governor Timipre Sylva of Bayelsa State described Jonathan’s victory as a victory for all.
“The verdict of the special PDP convention clearly represents the national consensus we all have been seeking. Having achieved this momentous national agreement, I urge all Nigerians to follow it through by coming out en masse in April to vote Jonathan and Sambo,” said Sylva in a statement yesterday.


Cross River State Governor Senator Liyel Imoke said Jonathan’s emergence as PDP’s presidential flag bearer “is a clear indication that the PDP is ready to enthrone a leader that will transform Nigeria to greatness.”
Governor Imoke urged the various platforms in the party to close ranks and build a team towards winning the presidential election in April this year.


Dele Momodu, presidential candidate of the National Conscience Party also wrote to congratulate Jonathan and challenged him to “a robust debate leading to the presidential election in April.”


Momodu added: “As I welcome you to the race, it is instructive to note that the 2011 presidential election will not be business as usual. Gone are the days when the PDP rigging machine intimidated and out-manoeuvred Nigerians.


“Nigerians are gaining a new consciousness and will vote for the candidate who makes the superior case for change.
“We are aware that there is the tendency to overstretch the luck and goodwill of incumbency. But let it be known that Nigerians are ready to fight to the very end should there be any attempt by the PDP or any other political party to rig the 2011 general election at all levels,” he said.


Senator Annie Okonkwo, who has just won a return ticket for Anambra Central, said Jonathan’s victory “is now the consecrated mandate of all PDP members and stakeholders in all totality” and called on every PDP member to defend it.

http://www.thisdayonline.com/