Make May 29 Handover Date Sacrosanct, CNPP Tells Jonathan

The Conference of Nigerian Political parties (CNPP) in Bauchi State has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to make May 29, 2011 “sacred” for the successful handover of power to the next elected President.

The CNPP Chairman in the state ,Alhaji Abdullahi Idris  made the call in an interview with newsmen in Bauchi on Tuesday.

He said that the call became necessary, following intense pressure on the President to shift the handover date to October 1, 2011.

Idris described those advocating for a shift in the official handing over date as “political gladiators and anti-democratic forces whose primary objecgive was to heat up the polity and derail democracy”.

He advised Jonathan to be wary of the architects of the failed third term bid of the former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.

“Jonathan has a God-giving opportunity to make history and write his name in gold for ensuring credible election and credible transition of power.

“The agonies of the aborted third term bid are still fresh in the minds of many Nigerians, and Nigerians will do everything possible to avert its recurrence.

“There is enough time between now and the election time to compile a credible voter register provided there is political will to do so on the part of those saddled with such responsibility,” he said.

The CNPP chairman advised Jonathan to quickly appoint board members of INEC.

“Nigerians have for too long been taken for a ride and will not tolerate any further deception and disruption in the political process.

“The CNPP will work in concert with other progressive forces to thwart any attempt at tenure elongation,” Idris added.