Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed worry about the political situation as the elections get closer.
Speaking on Monday during the inauguration of the 1.15-kilometer Afi-Uko Nteghe Uda bridge on the Etebi-Enwang route in Akwa Ibom State’s Mbo Local Government Area, Jonathan expressed concern about the unfavorable vibe the upcoming elections have created.
He argued that politics of animosity impede progress and urged politicians to advertise their positions through ideas rather than engaging in verbal combat, insulting their detractors, and other forms of abuse.
“I’m a bit worried by the negative energy generated ahead of the 2023 elections. We have noticed a level of bitterness in our politics that does not bring development and I plead with politicians that marketing is about marketing your ideas. Politics is not about fighting, is not insulting, is not about abusing.”
“We have been reading in the newspapers and social media of how billboards of Presidential candidates, governorship candidates are pulled down and I believe by hoodlums, but sometimes, they say some governments even support those kind of things.
“If you are a part of the team doing that, then know that you are among the unfortunate miscreants, virus or pathogen that is really decomposing our democracy. Please stop doing that; but in all these, I believe the security services have a lot to do.
“I believe anybody who commits a crime should not be covered under politics. Arson is arson and is never status bound, so somebody who commits a crime, burn houses, kill people, the record must be kept, and whatever the investigation is completed, such people should be prosecuted; that is the only way people would stop doing this.
“But if people commit criminal offences and walk away, then, of course, other people would be encouraged to do same. So security services in Nigeria have a lot to do, they must not spare any criminal,” he stated.
Jonathan, who praised Governor Udom Emmanuel for his accomplishments in development and referred to the bridge as one of the longest in West Africa, said his administration had good intentions for the Akwa Ibom people.
He pointed out that some significant current projects, which Governor Emmanuel had promised would be finished by the end of his term in May, are evidence of his dedication to improving people’s lives.
In his remarks, Governor Udom Emmanuel said that the accomplishments he had made across the state had satisfied his conscience. He added that he had made an effort to remain focused despite the criticisms and lies spread about his administration.
Emmanuel thanked the neighborhood for helping to fund the project’s construction and said it fulfills his pledge to open up the riverine communities.
He said that the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, which can service two 747 800 series aircraft and is well-liked around the world, is awaiting commissioning.