President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday said that national interest
would override any personal ambition or sectional agenda in his decision
to seek re-election in 2015 or not.
Jonathan, who stated this in
his Eid-El-Kabir message to Muslim faithful in the country, called on
all political leaders to do the same.
He felicitated with the
Muslims and urged them to use the occasion to pray for the peace,
progress and unity of the country as well as the success of the 2015
general elections.
“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.
“I thank many
individuals, stakeholders, groups, associations, non-governmental
organisations, unions and political leaders across the country.
“In
recognition and appreciation of our efforts and commitment to
reposition our dear nation for more rapid growth and development, they
have 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 political leaders in the country to
place the overriding interest of the wellbeing and progress of our
fatherland above all other considerations in the coming campaigns and
elections,” he added.
The president urged the political class to
rise above “unedifying, unpatriotic and selfish personal interests and
divisive sectional agenda in the coming national elections”.
According
to him, the call has become necessary following the issuance of a
formal notice of the impending general elections by the Independent
National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the week.
He said that with the official election notice, another national campaign season was now truly upon the country.
Jonathan urged all political actors to commit themselves to the sustenance of democracy and political stability in the country.
These,
he added, were essential ingredients for the advancement of good
governance, inclusive economic growth and rapid development of the
nation.
He admitted that the country had continued to face
critical challenges in some areas in spite of the significant progress
it had made in the past four years.
“However, I am convinced that
if we persevere and continue to build diligently on what the present
administration has achieved, we will surely overcome all hindrances.
“We
will also fully establish a stronger, more united and prosperous nation
that meets the aspirations and yearnings of all of our people,” he
said.
The president congratulated all Muslims in the country and
believers who undertook this year’s Hajj as enjoined by Prophet
Mohammed.
“As they conclude the rites of the Hajj and prepare to
return home, let us all join them in offering special prayers for
greater security, peace, unity and progress in our dear country.
“We should also use the occasion to pray for the peaceful and successful conduct of next year’s general elections.
“As
we celebrate the Eid-El-Kabir, let us 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,” the president said.
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