2015: Jonathan Cautions Politicians

President Goodluck Jonathan has advised politicians and the media not to overheat the polity over the politics of 2015 presidential election.

In a statement the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, expressed deep concern over the growing furore in political circles and the media over his alleged plan to seek re-election in 2015.

“What began as an irritating distraction some months ago, appears to have now assumed a life of its own, dominating political discourse in the country, with all kinds of mischief-makers and opportunists latching on to it to heat up the polity unnecessarily.

“The pointless, diversionary and very distractive hue and cry about the president’s alleged ambition to seek a second term in office is becoming increasingly disturbing by the day.’’

The president expressed worry over reports in newspapers and on the Internet, with captions such as “Jonathan’s 2015 ambition can break up Nigeria ” and “Jonathan’s 2015 ambition fueling insecurity”.

He said that the president’s primary concern was to deliver on his promise to provide a purposeful leadership that would help to overcome the country’s security and developmental challenges.

“Nothing could be farther from President Jonathan’s mind at this point in time than the 2015 elections. “The president has definitely not directed or authorised any individual or group to launch any campaign on his behalf.

“As he has repeatedly warned on many occasions, even during the last national convention of the PDP, the inordinate ambition of a few self-centred Nigerians and their obsession with the politics of succession in 2015 must not be allowed to distract the nation.

He urged the political class and the Nigerian mass media to give elected leaders, at all levels, the opportunity to deliver on their promises to the people.