Jonathan Mobilises Nigerians For Saturday’s Poll

Jonathan mobilises Nigerians for Saturday’s poll
Qasim Akinreti, Lagos

The Nigerian president and the presidential candidate of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party , PDP, Goodluck Jonathan,  has appealed to Nigerians to come out and participate in the National assembly election  rescheduled for Saturday April 9, 2011.
 
Speaking on a National TV broadcast , Jonathan saluted the courage , resilience and uncommon patriotism demonstrated by Nigerians in the botched April 2 Senatorial and House of Representatives election.

He justified the postponement of the election based on the brief from Chairman of INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega informing the nation that the non-delivery of critical election materials in large parts of the country compelled the Commission to postpone the exercise.
 
The President said the Commission, in consultation with all key political stakeholders, agreed to a revised timetable for all the elections, which will see the process commence on Saturday, 9th April 2011, with the National Assembly elections.
 
Patriotic zeal

While sharing in the disappointment and frustration caused by the postponement, across the country, the president noted that “there was clear evidence of an overwhelming spirit of patriotism that saw our countrymen and women troop out in large numbers to participate in the electoral process. Our people exhibited phenomenal fortitude and understanding, as many of you travelled long distances at great personal cost, and waited patiently to perform your civic responsibility.”
 
He acknowledged that the bold move was a clear demonstration of the abiding faith of Nigerians in the electoral process.
 
Credible poll

Based on the assurances of the Electoral commission boss, Jonathan equally assured the nation that the Commission was fully ready to deliver credible polls.
 The Nigerian leader reiterated government’s commitment to the independence of INEC and to the conduct of free and fair elections in the country.
 
Ensuring security

On security of voters and election materials, the President stated that  the security agencies had been directed to provide optimal security for the voters, officials and the  entire electoral  process.  
 
He urged all political stakeholders to continue to be faithful to the tenets of fair play and healthy competition as well as
 
President Jonathan appealed to all Nigerians, to cooperate with the security agencies to achieve peaceful elections throughout the country.
 
The PDP presidential candidate urged all political stakeholders to continue to be faithful to the tenets of fair play and healthy competition, saying that “at this critical stage in our national development, we cannot afford to engage in acts that can fan the embers of violence and discord.

He assured Nigerians that the government remained committed to ensuring the safety of the lives and property of all Nigerians across the country.
 
“Nigeria is bigger than anyone of us. No one’s political ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian” he said.
 
Jonathan also thanked the international community for their continued support and goodwill to Nigeria.
 
Milestone to greatness

According to him, the 2011 General Elections represent an important milestone in Nigeria’s march to greatness. “Our collective posterity beckons on us all to stand up and be counted. Participating in the electoral process is your way of demonstrating your faith in the future of our country; a future founded on the promise of democracy, unity and progress,” he noted.
 
He called for persistent prayers for the nation, and for peaceful and orderly elections.

Ekata