2023: I’m worried by negative energy towards elections – Goodluck Jonathan

Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has raised concern about ‘bad energy’ in the run-up to the 2023 national elections.

On Monday, at the commissioning of the 1.15-kilometer Afi-Uko Nteghe Uda Bridge on Etebi-Enwang Road in Akwa Ibom State’s Mbo Local Government Area, Jonathan lamented the degree of hostility in campaigns, stating that politics is not about fighting, insulting, or criticizing one’s opponent.

While pushing politicians to advertise their ideas during elections, the ex-president stated that nasty politics do not lead to national growth. “I am a little concerned about the bad vibe produced before of the 2023 elections,” he remarked. We have observed a degree of hostility in our politics that does not promote progress, and I want politicians to remember that marketing is about promoting your ideas. Politics is not about fighting, insulting, or assaulting people. “We have been reading in the newspapers and social media about how billboards of presidential candidates, governorship candidates are ripped down and I presume by hoodlums, but occasionally, they claim some governments even assist those types of things.

“If you are a member of the team doing it, then know that you are among the sad miscreants, wolves, virus or illness that is truly degrading our democracy. Please refrain from doing so; yet, I feel the security services have a significant role to play in all of this.”

“I believe that anyone who commits a crime should not be shielded by politics,” he added. Arson is arson and is never statute-bound, therefore if someone commits a crime, burns houses, murders people, a record must be made and such persons should be tried after the inquiry is concluded; that is the only way people will stop doing this.

“But if people conduct criminal acts and walk away, then, of course, other people would be tempted to the similar. So Nigeria’s security forces have a lot of work to do, and they must not spare any criminal.”

Jonathan praised Governor Udom Emmanuel for his developmental accomplishments, adding his administration has genuine intentions for the Akwa Ibom people.

Also speaking, Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel said he has satisfied his conscience with his accomplishments across the state, adding that despite attacks and falsehoods leveled against his administration, he has tried not to be sidetracked.

Emmanuel thanked the community for its support of the initiative, saying it fulfills his pledge to open up the riverine areas.

“I indicated in my second term that we were going to open up the riverine zones,” he remarked. In Nigeria today, I believe there are very few governors who can oversee 31 local government areas and development in 31 local government areas at the same time.

“This is the only place a subnational is signing a signature in the sky, on the land, in the ocean. We would have gone far in this region today if I had had Federal Government help. This is where Nigeria’s future industrial powerhouse will be situated.”

Prof Eno Ibanga, Commissioner of Works, described the bridge as sitting on 412 piles with a minimum depth of 30 metres each, split into 52 spans of 22.5 metres, which sit on 408 precast beams.

According to Aiman Saimua, Managing Director of AMITEC Construction Firm, the company was granted the project four years ago, but the COVID-19 epidemic caused a delay in the project, which was finished two weeks late.