Why Jonathan Should Not Run For 2011 – Falae

Former Secretary to the Federal Government (SFG), Chief Olu Falae,  has advised President Goodluck Jonathan not to vie for the presidency in 2011 general elections.

Speaking with  newsmen in Akure, Falae said that this would enable him to organise credible, free and fair elections for the country.

“If, however, he decides to run for presidency, he should be careful and choose his running mate from the North to maintain a balance in the nation’s political equation,” Falae said.

Falae, alongside other notable Nigerians in Ondo State, described the death of former President Umaru Yar’Adua as unfortunate and a great loss to Nigeria.

He said that it was unfortunate that people played politics with his protracted ill-health.

“Yar’Adua meant well for Nigeria but his ill-health prevented him from leaving a good legacy for the country. But I think I am happy for him now that he is dead, for he will rest having passed through what he experienced,” Falae said.

According to him, Acting President Goodluck Jonathan, who automatically becomes the president, owes Nigeria a duty to look for a credible Vice-President to run the affairs of the nation till 2011.

The Deputy National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Chief Joseph Akinlaja, said that Nigerians would continue to remember Yar’Adua for his honesty and forthrightness.

He also advised Jonathan not to allow anybody to distract him from setting right the electoral process for the nation.

Akinlaja said: “The nation cannot make any meaningful progress without a credible electoral process where people’s votes would count.”

The Publicity Secretary of the PDP in the state, Chief Yemi Adedipe, said that Yar’Adua did his best, given the circumstances of his state of health, adding that  “Nigerians will remember him for his forthrightness and sincerity of purpose.”

Adedipe called on Jonathan to take the bull by the horn and chart his own course to lead the nation out of the woods.

Retired Anglican Bishop of Akure, Rt. Rev. Bolanle Gbonigi,  sympathised with Yar’Adua’s mother for loosing two sons in her old age.

A frontline traditional ruler in Ondo State, the Osemawe of Ondoland, Oba Victor Kiladejo, expressed regret that the former president had to die without being able to actualise many of his dreams for the nation.

The monarch also called on Jonathan to remain focused and continue unhindered in his attempt at building the nation.