Speaking also, Minister of FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed said: “Jonathan’s government is sincere. When Jonathan came on board, he came with an agenda and not propaganda. I am not surprised that ALGON could find Mr. President worthy enough of endorsing. It was Mr. President that insisted that allocations meant for local governments get to them directly. That is the kind of leader we need. Jonathan has intervened in all the sectors of the economy. The only way to appreciate him is to vote for him.”
ABUJA—FORMER National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Senator Ahmadu Alli, yesterday, tow the line of the Opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, by directing PDP faithful to remain at the polling booths after casting their votes in the forth coming elections
This was, however, contrary to a recent order handed down by the Inspector-General of Police,IGP, Mr. Suleiman Abba, directing Nigerians not to stay back at the polling units after casting their votes.
Alli, who is the Director-General of the Peoples Democratic Party Campaign Organisation,spoke in Abuja, at the occasion of formal endorsement of President Goodluck Jonathan for re-election by Mr. Micah Jiba-led Association of Local Government of Nigeria, ALGON.
The PDP chieftain said his advice was predicated on feelers at the party’s disposal that the opposition party, the APC, was planning to rig the elections.
He insisted that supporters of the PDP must stay back at the various polling units after casting their votes in order to guide against alleged plans by the leading opposition party to rig the polls.
Senator Alli, however, cautioned his party loyalists to resist any attempt to be pushed to cause mayhem.
Alli also urged voters not to make mistake of voting General Buhari in the election,saying the present Nigeria was in search of young vibrant people to lead it and not people he refered to as “analog.”
He said in an era where global leaders less than 60 years of age, Nigerians should not make the mistake of electing Buhari, whom he said was too old to govern.
“A lot has been said about this election. I want to bring an aspect to you which is vital. The changing of guards at the presidential villa is crucial because it is our post 100 years of co-existence. We must use this election to prove our enemies wrong. Goodluck Jonathan is our solution to the series of problems we have in this country. He is well tested and has risen through the ranks to become a president. Can you say such a man does not have experience?
“Our product is marketable unlike the other old man who is part of my generation. He wants to come and rule this nation in this stage when everyone is moving to endorse younger leaders. We must support Jonathan to ensure that the old are not allowed to come back,” Alli further said.
Speaking also, Minister of FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed said: “Jonathan’s government is sincere. When Jonathan came on board, he came with an agenda and not propaganda. I am not surprised that ALGON could find Mr. President worthy enough of endorsing. It was Mr. President that insisted that allocations meant for local governments get to them directly. That is the kind of leader we need. Jonathan has intervened in all the sectors of the economy. The only way to appreciate him is to vote for him.”
“Everybody is aware that ALGON is a body of elected local government chairmen on Nigeria. They hold the trust of grassroot people they represent. The wish of many Nigerians today is that President Goodluck Jonathan should be returned. Never in the history of Nigeria has there been a leadership who is bent on making the life of Nigeria better.
On his part, Minister of Special Duties, Saminu Turaki, said: “During elections, vote and do not look for any trouble. After voting, stay with your votes and ensure that you follow them when they are counting your votes. Do not allow them to rig. Stay with them and ensure nothing happens to the votes.”
“Even if you want changes, people will want positive changes. We say to advocates of change that it does not come from abstract. Even if Jonathan has touched the lives of people, he can do more. That is why we must return him.”