Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan urged Nigerians not to commit the error of electing people who he called assassins to office ahead of the 2023 national elections.
During a special interfaith service to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the founding of Akwa Ibom State, he delivered the benediction on Sunday in Uyo.
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“In 2023, you must not make the mistake to vote killers,” Jonathan said. Those who will carry knives, guns, and all kinds of gadgets to go and kill people because of politics, are the enemies of society. If you kill to become a leader, you will continue to kill to remain a leader.”
“The people will continue to suffer. Make sure that from the House of Assembly to the House of Representatives to Senate to governor, you vote the right people in Akwa Ibom State.”
The former president praised Udom Emmanuel, the state governor, for his efforts to advance development in the South-South state.
He recalled how there was doubt about Emmanuel’s performance when the ex-governor, Godswill Akpabio, was about to leave office. Emmanuel was the State Government’s secretary at the time.
Jonathan said that Emmanuel entered politics after working in the business sector, but that Emmanuel has performed admirably throughout his seven years in office.
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According to the former president of Nigeria, politicians should learn a lesson from the election that elected the governor of Akwa Ibom State.
“The election of Governor Udom should serve as a good example for politicians everywhere. People said that Governor Udom had never been involved in politics when he was set to take office as governor.
“Even though we are aware that he is a finance professional with bank experience, he could not understand how to manage people. But Udom joined the team and altered the narrative,” he continued.
Jonathan also expressed his gratitude to the State Executive Council members for helping the governor succeed in his position.
He also praised Akwa Ibom State’s youths for their collaboration and referred to them as nice people. Additionally, he expressed gratitude to the Christian Association of Nigeria for planning the event in honour of Akwa Ibom State.
