Labour party faults critics of Jonathan’s second-term bid

From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos.

The Labour Party (LP) yesterday faulted criticisms of President Goodluck Jonathan’s formal declaration to run for office for a second term, describing it as unnecessary.

In a statement issued in Lagos by its National Secretary, Mr Olukayode Ajulo, the party described the declaration as the president’s fundamental right as enshrined in the constitution.

“Jonathan has the right to present himself for election, just as the constitution gives Nigerians equal right to elect or reject him” the party stated.

It noted that the declaration like others by various aspirants from other political parties is an action that will deepen the nation’s democratic experiment.

The party said that it was regrettable that the nation’s politicians hardly dwell on serious issues like performance, but on trivial issues of such as declaration.

“At this point in our nation’s democracy, it is expected that parties should tailor their campaigns to performance and manifesto rather than issues that have significance effect on the populace.

“It is important that our colleagues in other parties realise that the people, particularly the workers, expect result. The people cannot be taken for granted forever”, the LP said.

According to it, the so-called electioneering campaigns, in Nigeria are in most cases indecorous, at times libelous and filled with malicious tantrums instead of being issue-based.

” Rather than such bilious verbiage, political campaigns should be an opportunity for political parties to showcase those unusual things they have been able to do and let the people know what goodies they have in stock for them” it said.

LP, expressed shock at the way and manner very serious issues in the life of the nation were being trivialized, all in the name of engaging in political campaigns.

“The job of maintenance of public infrastructure and ensuring the enabling environment is part of the routine functions of government and should not in any way become a yardstick for measuring performance” it said.

It however called on the electorate to always endeavour to read the lips of politicians each time they mount the soap box to make declamations.