Jonathan’ll return in 2015, says PDP

By Lawrence Olaoye and Joy Baba

Indications emerged yesterday that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may have perfected strategies to ensure that President Goodluck Jonathan returns to Aso Rock despite the claims by a governor on the platform of the party that he promised in 2011 to rule for a single term.

This disclosure was made by the PDP Woman Leader, Ambassador Kema Chikwe, at the presentation of ‘PDP Women in Power 2013 calendar’ in Abuja.

Chikwe who commended the President for involving women in politics said PDP women have perfected plans to vote enmasse for his emergence as the nation’s president in 2015.

The PDP woman Leader said the purpose of the launching was to raise funds for the women grass-roots tours and other projects.

While recognizing Jonathan’s efforts in appointing more women into his cabinet, Chikwe who is a member of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) told the gathering that the women would not be fulfilled until they elect 35 percent or more of women into the legislature in the country by 2015.

She said: “We are even more confident that when President Goodluck Jonathan returns in 2015, women would be talking about 50% and no longer 35%. As we give him unequivocal, undiluted, unreserved and unlimited support and as we march to 2015, PDP women will reach the promised land.”

She added that “We need to start moving fast to prepare women for future elections. Until we elect 35% or more of women in the legislature, the impact of our progress will not be complete. We know of course that next dispensation will attract possibly PDP female governors and more deputy governors.

“We appeal to the First Lady and the SGF to convey our deep gratitude to our Father of the Day, President Goodluck Jonathan. Tell him that PDP women, whether young or old; beautiful or ugly; tall or short; small or big are chanting: All we are saying, give us Goodluck.”

Responding to the declaration by Chikwe, Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) spokesperson, Rotimi Fashakin stated that “this statement credited to Dr. Kema Chikwe, a former minister, is not only unfortunate but sorely pathetic. It shows that the PDP gang do not believe in showing respect for agreement. It is the reason that even the simple declaration by PDP public holders -to defend the constitution- is never respected!

“Without any scintilla of doubt, it is in their DNA to break agreement without any scrupples. Should that not explain why Nigeria is tottering under PDP’s rule?” the CPC spokesman asked.

Meanwhile, the Founder and President of the Odua People’s Congress, (OPC)Dr. Frederick Fasehun has urged Nigerians to allow President  Jonathan enjoy his democratic rights by giving him the opportunity to contest for the presidency come 2015.

Fasehun stated this when he led a group of prominent Yoruba leaders on a courtesy visit to the Special Adviser to the president on Niger Delta, Mr Kinsley Kuku in his office in Abuja.

The OPC leader said Jonathan has brought peace and has encouraged progress and growth in the economy and therefore should be given another chance to build on what he has started. He also said the President is not a magician that can fix all Nigerian problems in a day noting that he needed more time build on the good work he is doing at the moment.

“These things have accumulated; I do not believe that Jonathan is a magician; if he was, he would be able to fix all these problems in one hour. He has been there for just two years; I think Nigerians should just allow him, without committing himself to be a magician but serving Nigerians truly. Let us give him a try,” Fasehun said.

He however urged the President to build on his current achievement in production, transmission and distribution of electricity which has improved tremendously. Fasehun further said that part of his visit was to consult on how to find lasting solution to pipeline vandalism which he assured would soon be wiped out in the South West.