Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Vincent Eze Ogbulafor has reviewed the nearly two months absence of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua from the country on medical grounds and commended Vice President Goodluck Jonathan and the  Federal Executive Council (FEC) for holding brief for the President, describing them as patriotic and  steadfast.  

Prince Ogbulafor  who was presenting his New Year Message at a press briefing Wednesday in Abuja also chided opposition politicians and civil society groups who he accused  of desperation in their desire to truncate the nation’s democracy,  describing their conduct as unnecessary, shameful, and completely out of tune with the national mood.

 The message reads in part: ‘I pray that this year would bring forth peace, prosperity and stability to our dear nation, Nigeria.

    I wish to also thank you all for the cooperation we enjoyed from you last year and I hope that the mutual goodwill that exists between us will be enhanced and sustained this year.

As we join hands to serve Nigeria better this New Year, there is the need for an extra vigilance on the part of all Nigerians in the face of the onerous challenges that the emerging national circumstances have imposed on us.

I once again wish to express our deep concern on a trend that is becoming a favourite pastime of some politicians who do not know when to draw the line between mere politicking and the larger national interest.

I am referring to the tendency by some politicians to exaggerate the health condition of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, leading to the recurrent unfounded rumours all aimed at destabilizing the country.

The President’s interview on the BBC yesterday has finally put the lie to the malicious, baseless and devious rumours orchestrated by those who do not wish Nigeria well.

We are indeed alarmed at the level of desperation manifested by some people in their desire to truncate the nation’s democracy.  We are at a loss as to why some people for whatever reason would want to contrive an atmosphere of instability and confusion when what is required is a sober reflection and a firm commitment to the National cause.

It is in the light of this that we find yesterday’s road show by some politicians and some members of the Civil Society unnecessary, shameful, and completely out of tune with the national mood. It is clearly an insensitive display of lack of respect for our institutions, our leaders and a debasement of our common humanity.

I wish to use this occasion to commend the entire leadership and members of the National Assembly for the unrelenting crucial roles they have been playing in defending and advancing democratic values.

We also wish to state very clearly that what the nation demands from each one of us at this point in time is  unmitigated patriotism, maturity and restraint especially on the part of all those involved in our democratic project.

There is no stronger evidence of the commitment of leaders to the people they represent than allowing the full import of these values to guide their actions.

Now that the President has personally reassured all Nigerians on the progress made in his recovery, we call on all compatriots to continue to pray for his complete recovery and safe return to continue the goodwork he has been doing.

I also want to use this opportunity to express our gratitude to His Excellency, The Vice President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, GCON and all members of the Federal Executive Council for their patriotism and steadfastness so far in steering the ship of state effectively while the President has been away. They have been an outstanding example of the values of team work and commitment to duty.

In conclusion, we wish to restate our commitment to the ideals of democracy, justice and the rule of law as the guiding principles of all our actions.       We shall continue to pursue those ideals that would lead to the transformation of Nigeria in line with the Seven Point Agenda of Mr. President’.

Justus Awaji, Abuja