In his New Year message President Goodluck Jonathan warned that his administration would not tolerate violence, which trailed the 2011 elections, in the February polls.
Jonathan reinstated his commitment to carrying out free and fair elections, which are already around the corner.
The country leader was quoted as saying by Vanguard:
“Decisive action will be taken against any individuals or groups who attempt to disrupt the public peace before, during or after the 2015 elections.
“The elections are very important for us as a country. Their successful conclusion will further strengthen our democratic institutions and place our beloved country even more firmly in the comity of truly democratic nations.
“Given the challenges that have characterised some previous electoral contests in our country, the eyes of the world will certainly be on the conduct and outcome of our fifth post-military rule general elections.”
President Jonathan insisted that all the relevant agencies were prepared for ensuring “a progressively improved electoral process” in Nigeria.
“We will continue to provide adequate funding to INEC and maintain the commission’s independence and isolate it from any form of interference or meddling in its day-to-day affairs. This shall continue to guarantee its impartiality and ability to conduct more credible and acceptable elections.”
Regarding the potential violence, GEJ promised to give all the necessary support to the security agencies adding however that cooperation from Nigerians is also required.
“National security agencies will also be given all necessary support to enhance their ability to ensure that the elections are peaceful and violence-free.
“I am optimistic that with the cooperation of all law-abiding citizens of the country, our commitment to have a peaceful and violence-free election will be actualised. Let us not promote sectionalism.
“I will like to say this, once again, to my fellow politicians and political leaders. None of our political ambitions is worth the blood of any of our countrymen, women and children. The improvement of their lives and living conditions ought to be our primary motive and the driving force of our quest for political power and leadership positions.”
As the political race is already being characterized by the war of words, Jonathan said it was important to stop it for the sake of unity in the country.
“Let us not promote sectionalism, disunity, intolerance, hate, falsehood or the malicious abuse of political opponents. Whatever we feel or seek, we must have a nation and a people before we can dream of political ambitions. Let us put the nation and the people first.
“Let us all conduct our electoral campaigns with the highest possible decorum and civility towards political opponents. Let us give INEC the fullest possible support and cooperation it requires to conduct credible and violence-free elections in 2015.”
Jonathan said his administration would “act decisively” against the troublemakers trying to create violence in February.
“After the 2011 general elections, some unpatriotic elements embarked on an orgy of violence, resulting in the destruction of lives and property. That will not be allowed to happen this time around.
“This government will act decisively against anyone who disrupts the public peace, before, during or after the 2015 general elections.
“All Nigerians, of voting age, are free to vote based on their convictions. It is our duty to defend and protect that basic right, and let no one be in doubt, we will.”
Nigeria’s politician number 1 also touched upon several other issues, including insurgency in the North-East. He praised the military and other agencies fighting with Boko Haram terrorists and expressed confidence:
“I want to assure you that the terrorists will not get away with their atrocities: they will not win; they will be routed. As President, I feel the pain of all affected communities and families. I hear their cries and share their sorrow and pain.”
Meanwhile Jonathan’s major opponent, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.) running for presidency on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in his New Year message once again promised a change in the country after the elections. Buhari also provided a 5-point plan of how he would achieve it if elected President.
