Acting President: PDP Applauds NASS Leadership

The leadership of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has applauded the National Assembly over the resolution of the political logjam created by the absence of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua  by mandating the former Vice President to be the Acting President.

  PDP National Chairman, Prince Vincent Ogbulafor made the commendation when the leadership of the National Assembly, led by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Dimeji Bankole and Deputy Senate President, Senator Ekweremadu paid him a courtesy call to explain the action they took following the absence of President Yar’Adua who has been away in Saudi Arabia for about 80 days on medical ground.

  His address to the National Assembly leadership reads: “I would like to begin by thanking you, the leadership of the National Assembly, for the ingenious and patriotic manner you resolved the political logging.

  “The unanimous resolution of both chambers of the National Assembly which proclaimed Dr. Goodluck Jonathan the Acting President and the Commander-in–Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has successfully brought to an end the reign of needless speculations, anxiety and uncertainty. 

  “As a party, the PDP has always maintained that the absence of president Yar’Adua on account of ill health does not amount to a vacuum in the presidency. Your decision yesterday therefore, has reaffirmed our stand that the leadership of the nation has been in the capable hands of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan who has so far discharged the responsibilities with distinction.

   “Now that the National Assembly has finally settled that debate, it is now time to move on and concentrate on the duties expected of each arm of government. For instance, Nigerians expect a quick passage of the Electoral Reform Bills as well as the 2010 budget now before the National Assembly. Of equal importance is the Constitution Amendment Bill which also needs immediate action.

  “Let me also use this opportunity to express the party’s profound appreciation to the Governors Forum,  members of the Federal Executive Council, the Judiciary, eminent Nigerians, the international community and all those who offered useful contributions in the interest of our dear nation.

   “While I enjoin all Nigerians to continue to pray for the recovery and return of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua , may I also call on politicians , especially those who always wish to contrive an atmosphere of anarchy out of every national challenge to turn a new leaf. We urge them to join hands with us to ensure the advancement and the consolidation of constitutional rule in Nigeria.

   “May I finally on behalf of the entire members of the National Working Committee call on the opposition political parties to re-channel their efforts towards organising themselves for the next general elections rather than seeking to capsize the entire Nigerian political ship for selfish reasons.

   “I thank you all once more on behalf of our great Party for the patriotic role you have been playing in nation building.”

Earlier, Speaker Bankole and Senator Ekweremadu explained that the action of the National Assembly in pronouncing Dr. Jonathan Acting President was in the best interest of the nation and was meant to ensure the nation moves forward.