President Jonathan does not think much of the progressive stance of the All Progressives Congress and he has made it known quite clearly at the Peoples Democratic Party South East rally which took place in Enugu yesterday.
The President remarked, “Here in the south east, we have seen that we have no problem. It is clear that south east is a PDP zone. We will take total control of the governments in the south east; I say total.”
“Here, security challenges are minimal because of your support for the PDP and your believe that this government must move forward.
“PDP is the only party without a dictator. It is the only party that people like me from an unknown background can become whatever they want. Other parties can never take Nigeria anywhere. Nigeria is a great country. To move forward in Nigeria, you have to have an open mind. PDP is the only party with that quality.
“Here, there is leadership and we follow everything based on the rule of law and due process. It is the only party recognized even outside Nigeria. Other parties are not even known outside Nigeria. This is the party that will continue to create jobs for our people.
“Somebody will tell you that they are progressing. Progressing to hell or to where? Do not make mistake, PDP is the only party.”
Other speakers at the rally included Governors Theodore Orji, Martins Elechi and Sullivan Chime.
Chime said, “Mr. President, the essence of this gathering is very simple. Our people have been meeting and we have only two requests. One is that you run for 2015. Our second request is to plead with you to please say yes to our first request.
“We are not here to discuss your budget. We are not here to assess your government. All we want is that you say yes to our first and second requests.”
Governor Orji said, “If you say no, we shall conscript you. We know that it is under this PDP government that we got an Inspector General of Police and Chief of Army Staff after 40 years. Under this government, we have the Secretary to the Government of a Federation and a Minister of Finance, Coordinating the Economy. You have said all you promised, you will do, and you have done even more.”
Martin Elechi said, You have set an unprecedented record in the Nigerian democratic landscape by allowing the people to freely elect their leaders in their respective states. You have also tolerated abuses even from the opposition, yet you never responded.
“Do not listen to those who claim that they are ready to rescue Nigeria. We say to you, do not reject our requests. You are the person we are waiting for.”