JONATHAN SPEAKS ON HIS FACTORS THAT WILL GUIDE HIS DECISION IN 2015 ELECTION

                          

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday assured that his decision to run for second term will be guided by national harmony, cohesion, unity, security, political stability, progress, equity, justice and fairness.

Speaking In an Eid-El-Kabir message to Nigerians he personally signed yesterday, the President said he would place national interest above any personal ambition or sectional agenda.

He challenged other politicians to do the same as they prepare for the 2015 general elections.

Felicitating with men and women of the Islamic faith as they celebrate this year’s Eid-El-Kabir, he also urged them to pray for peaceful and successful conduct of the 2015 general elections.

He said: “With this week’s issuance of a formal notice of the impending general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), another national campaign season is now truly upon us and I urge all political leaders in the country to place the overriding interest of the well-being and progress of our fatherland above all other considerations in the coming campaigns and elections.

“I thank the many individuals, stakeholders, groups, associations, non-governmental organisations, unions and political leaders from across the country who have, in recognition and appreciation of our efforts and commitment to repositioning our dear nation for more rapid growth and development, urged me to seek a second term in office.

“In deciding on an appropriate response to such calls, I will place the greater inter ests of national harmony, cohesion, unity, security, political stability, progress, equity, justice and fairness above any personal ambition or sectional agenda.

“I urge all other political leaders in the country to do the same. Let us all rise above unedifying, unpatriotic and selfish personal interests and divisive sectional agenda in the coming national elections.

“Let us also commit ourselves more to the sustenance of democracy and political stability which are essential prerequisites for the advancement of good governance, inclusive economic growth and rapid development.”

On the 2014 Eid-El-Kabir celebration, he said: “I greet and felicitate with all our countrymen and women of the Islamic faith as we celebrate this year’s Eid-El-Kabir. I also congratulate all believers who have successfully undertaken the Hajj this year as enjoined by Prophet Mohammed (may peace be upon Him).