PDP CRISIS: Give Jonathan, Takur a chance-Jaja

As the crisis in the ruling People’s Democratic Party escalates, a prominent Ijaw leader, Dr. Reuben Mietamuno Jaja, has pleaded with those moving against President Gooluck Jonathan to sheath their sword and give the president and the National Chairman of the party, Bamanga Tukur, a chance to rebuild Nigeria.

Jaja, who is the former Chairman, Ijaw Foundation, the apex organization for the Ijaw in the

Diaspora, noted with concern the current attempt by some aggrieved PDP members to split the party and distract the President from the transformation agenda he has been championing for the good of all Nigerians.

Jaja, who is also a one-time member of the Board of the African Business Roundtable (ABR), headed by Tukur, expressed dismay that despite the phenomenal achievements recorded by the Jonathan administration in the various sectors of the nation’s economy, his detractors within and outside the party were still bent on discrediting him and his administration for selfish political gains.

Stressing that Jonathan was not part of those who created these problems, but was doing his best to tackle them head on, Jaja said, “Critics need to step back, re-evaluate these phenomenal achievements by the administration within so short a time. All that the Jonathan administration needs at this point in time, is the support of well-meaning Nigerians to enable him to steer the course and continue with the transformation agenda and reform processes.

“Worthy of note is the achievements in the power sector. There is no administration in the history of this country that has been so focused on giving the people a stable power supply than the Jonathan administration. President Jonathan is doing his very best. He deserves the support of all Nigerians to continue with his transformation agenda. The circumstances of operation are complex. My candid opinion is that this is one of the most sincere leaders the country has been blessed with in recent history.

“As the first President from the Niger Delta, he should be allowed to exercise peacefully the mandate freely given to him by all Nigerians, in appreciation of the fact that region has always supported leaders from other regions to lead the country at various times in our national political history.”

“As one of the leaders in the Niger Delta, I call on all Nigerians to give Mr. President a chance to stabilize the country. It is a right that must not be taken away from him and the Niger Delta people. He has done exceptionally well, given the complex socio-economic and political challenges he is facing.”

Turning to Tukur, Jaja, who had worked under him during his tenure as the Chairman of the African Business Roundtable, asked PDP members to rally round him as he possessed the required deep knowledge of global politics to take the party to the next level.