Jonathan: Unsportsmanlike Atiku alleges lapses
Headlines Friday, January 14th, 2011The political camp of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has alleged lapses in Thursday’s presidential primaries of the PDP, quoting his agents at the collation of the result.
The agents, it said, therefore “declined to sign the final result on account” of the lapses, with former President Olusegun Obasanjo taunting his former deputy yesterday just hours after the PDP national convention.
“I am laughing, Chief Obasanjo said, as reporters sought his reaction to the outcome of the primaries.
It was variation of the “I dey laugh” statement he made on November 25 last year shortly after Alhaji Atiku emerged as the Northern consensus candidate.
Already, Nigerians have been congratulating the President on his victory while others have been giving their opinions on the event.
Atiku committed to democratic process, rule of law
The Atiku Campaign Organisation in a statement in Abuja said: “Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has assured that he remains irrevocably committed to democratic Nigeria based on democratic process.
“The former Vice President is committed to entrenching democratic governance, rule of law and democratic process.The former Vice President has commenced consultations with his supporters and other stakeholders and will be making a pronouncement on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential primaries.
“Part of his consultations will include briefing by his agents who declined to sign the final results on account of lapses observed during the Thursday primaries.
“The outcome of these consultations will determine the next line of action of the former Vice President.
“Atiku, however, thanked the PDP for the platform it has provided for the contest, delegates, supporters, campaign staff and well wishers for their support so far.
“The Atiku Campaign Organisation assured all of them that the former Vice President still has a lot to offer and that this is not the time to write him off.
*I’m laughing — Obasanjo However, Chief Obasanjo when asked to comment on the outcome of the PDP presidential primaries said what happened made him laugh.
Asked as he made to enter his car with number plate Abuja AZ 988 KWL whether he was still laughing, he said, “I am laughing.” He quickly entered the car and was driven away.
The PDP BoT Chairman had on Thursday November 25, 2010 laughed over the emergence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the Northern consensus candidate.
He repeated same on January 2, 2011 on a visit to the National Secretariat of the party.
South-East governors congratulate Jonathan
The South_East Governors have congratulated President Goodluck Jonathan, on his emergence as the PDP candidate in the April election.
Speaking on behalf of the South_East Governors’ Forum, Gov. Peter Obi, who is the Chairman of the Forum and Deputy Chairman of the Governors Forum, said the South East Governors had always worked unanimously for the re_election of President Jonathan and would not relent until he was elected.
The Governor assured the President of the continued support of the region and thanked the PDP for electing him in an election that was transparent.
“The essential lesson from the Convention is the need to reduce post_election acrimony by allowing the election to be free and fair,” he said.
Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State in his message said: Dr. Jonathan’s emergence as PDP presidential flag bearer was a clear indication that the PDP was ready to enthrone a leader that will transform Nigeria to greatness.
Governor Imoke who is the South_South Zonal coordinator of the Goodluck/Sambo campaign organization said the time had come for the various platforms in the party to close ranks and build a team towards, winning the presidential election in April this year.
Thanking the delegates for their orderly conduct at the primaries he implored the South_South delegates to sustain the spirit of oneness exhibited at the party convention.
Governor Adebayio Alao-Akala of Oyo State said: “By the resounding success of the Presidential Primaries, the ruling party has set the best possible standing in efficiency and transparency and the emergence of Jonathan and the statistical manner of his victory has evolved an electoral pattern that will be impossible to beat in April. Capturing the South West so convincingly, making mince meat of Atiku in his home State Adamawa, and strategic states like Katsina, Abia, Imo, Edo among others, are strong indications that the Jonathan/Sambo ticket is on electoral prowl.
Sylva hails Jonathan’s outing at PDP convention
Governor Timipre Sylva of Bayelsa State said, “the verdict of the special PDP convention clearly represents the national consensus we all have been seeking.
“Having achieved this momentous national agreement, I urge all Nigerians to follow it through by coming out en masse in April to vote President Jonathan and his running mate, Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo. This is a task we must accomplish for we cannot afford to stop this great national movement halfway.”
Jonathan’s election reflects the wishes of Nigerians – Mark
Senate President, David Mark described election of President Goodluck Jonathan as the flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the April 2011 polls as a reflection of the thinking and wishes of the Nigerian people.
-Vanguard
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