…Forget 2011 For Now –Obianime

President of the Ijaw National Congress, Dr. Atuboyedia Obianime has advised President Goodluck Jonathan to avoid being drawn into contesting the 2011 Presidential elections, for now.

While conceding that Jonathan, as an adult Nigerian has the constitutional right to aspire to any office in the land, the INC urged the President to see this period of our national life as one deserving utmost focus, dedication to service and indeed true statesmanship.

Jonathan’s priority now, the INC said, should not be to pre-occupy self with plans to be re-elected President in 2011, as some politicians would want him to, but to concentrate on the duties he was sworn-in to perform and for which all progressive forces had prayed to God and stood behind his transmutation from Vice to Acting President and by the sudden death, last Wednesday of his principal, the Servant-Leader Yar’Adua, became President.

These, the INC insisted places on Jonathan’s shoulders enormous responsibilities which should not be undermined by avoidable distractions likely to be created by such presidential ambition.

Instead, the INC President, advised, “Jonathan should concentrate on operating the Presidency in a fair and statesmanly manner,” putting in mind the stability of the union, checking the infrastructural decay; the Niger Delta question, revamping of the economy, encouraging democratic reforms, defending the rule of law, fight against corruption and assuaging pains of some who might be grieving over the recent happening, among others.

According to Dr. Atuboyedia, “Nigerians are yet to see the direction this presidency will follow not to talk of the legacy it will leave behind, and so should not consider 2011 as a priority.”

While congratulating President Jonathan for his recent elevation and eventual swearing-in, the INC advised him to see himself as President of Nigeria and avoid all temptations to demeaning that status, by giving it a selfish Niger Delta Colouration.