Former President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has urged all the presidential candidates to conduct their affairs peacefully and not heat the polity.
Bellnewsonline.com reports that Jonathan stated this on Wednesday while speaking with newsmen during a private visit to Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State at the Government House in Lafia, the state capital.
Jonathan also advised all the party flagbearers and their supporters to sue for peace and eschew violence, describing the moment leading to the 2023 general election as challenging.
He said: “I know this is a very challenging period in the country because elections are coming up. Whenever elections are coming up, people are very warm, charged, and desperate.
“I pray that we conduct the affairs peacefully and make sure we push the state forward, push the country forward.”
Jonathan Commends Development Strides
The former President commended governor Sule on his development strides, urging him to keep up with the good work going on in his state.
Jonathan also applauded Sule for the number of female appointees in his cabinet, saying that he had always insisted that government must encourage women and youths.
He added: “The last time I was in Lafia was in 2015, during the presidential election. Since then I have not had the opportunity to come. From what I have seen, you are doing very well and you have to keep up the tempo.
“I am also pleased with the Governor because I have seen a number of female faces here. You know, when I was in office, I always insist government must encourage the female gender and also the youth. I am quite happy that even the spokesperson is also a lady. I want to thank you for what you are doing.”
Jonathan Speaks On His Love For Nasarawa
Jonathan stressed that Nasarawa and Bayelsa have something in common due to the fact that they were created on the same day, adding that his love for Nasarawa is genuine.
He said: “I think Nasarawa State and Bayelsa were born on the same day. I and the Governor were just talking about it. I said when I was a governor in 2006, we celebrated the 10th year anniversary of Bayelsa State, while the Governor celebrated the 25th year anniversary of Nasarawa State. We have something in common.
“When I was the president, because of my love for Nasarawa, I appointed the Emir of Lafia as the Chancellor of the Federal University in my village. And there was one of our top traditional rulers that were also the Chancellor of the Federal University in Nasarawa State. That shows the tie between us as a people.
“I believe that friendship will continue to grow from strength to strength. I thank all of you for coming here to welcome me personally in my personal capacity as Goodluck Jonathan. That shows the love you have for me and I believe I should have the opportunity to reciprocate.”