Group declares support for Jonathan’s re-election

A group of independent actors promoting responsible government in Nigeria, working through traditional institutions and public diplomacy with current focus on South Western Nigeria and international community, on Thursday declared support for President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election.
The Forerunners Group said in a statement that it envisions a Nigeria in which a universal commitment to the well-being of all its people is fuelled by successful national movements for political and social justice.
The group said it recognizes that change is successful only in a community self-participatory approach.
The group said further in the statement by Babatunde Oralusi, its Director General: “Forerunners Group identifies with the unprecedented success of the Goodluck Jonathan administration in good governance by enthroning credible democracy demonstrated in the successful conduct of recent Ekiti and Osun States elections.
“The group observes that the spirit of social and political tolerance is finally being entrenched into Nigeria polity. This is a timely guide towards positive social-political and economic direction desired in the best interest of the Nigerian society.”
The Forerunners Group said it has given serious consideration to all candidates that have declared interest in the Presidency in the forthcoming presidential election in February 2015 and found Jonathan the most credible and qualified candidate to occupy the position.
It said it considers that giving Jonathan another opportunity in office will stabilize the economy and the social system.
It added: “Forerunners Group therefore declares total support for President Jonathan’s re-election to further strengthen and continue the work.”
The Forerunners Group said it has come to a conclusion, after serious analysis, that the Boko haram insurgency is a global crises considering the activities of extremists and religious fundamentalists in different countries all over the world.
It cited the examples of Isis in Iraq and Syria, Taliban in Afghanistan, Al-qaeda in Pakistan and other terrorist groups in Egypt, Central Africa, Somalia, Sudan and Libya.
According to the group, the Isis has executed many Westerners, costing the Western world, especially America and Europe, a huge fortune to stop insurgency all over the world.
It observed that insurgency was never part of Nigeria and thereby requires time to provide a permanent solution, more so when it is being politically promoted for selfish agenda.
The group promised to work with traditional institutions and the international community to promote good governance and sustainable development in Nigeria.
It advised President Jonathan to seek re-election for a second term to consolidate his work in the last four years in office.
The group also announced its plan to hold a summit on the role of traditional institutions in good governance and social justice in November 2014.