JUNE 9TH (URHOBOTODAY) The Ijaw Youth Council has said President Jonathan must contest the 2015 election irrespective of the recommendations of the committee.
The IYC insisted that the President’s aspiration for a second term in office must not be scuttled by the Senate.
“We are saying that Jonathan must run in 2015 because he is a saleable candidate for us. The National Assembly should not do anything that will affect the second term ambition of President Jonathan and others who wish to contest in 2015.
“Though we cannot compel Nigerians to vote for him (Jonathan), we are appealing to Nigerians to vote for him in the next dispensation. He must contest no matter the recommendations from that committee.”
The Senate Committee on Review of the Constitution, had recommended a non-renewable single six-year tenure for the office of President, Vice-President, governors and their deputies.
The committee’s recommendation also disqualifies President Jonathan and incumbent governors from benefiting from the new arrangement if the recommendation becomes law.
While shedding light on the recommendation, the Chairman of the committee, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, had on Thursday in Abuja said if the recommendation on single tenure succeeded, the President and some governors would sacrifice their ambitions in 2015.
“We don’t want Nigerians to say that we have colluded with the executive to give tenure elongation to the President and certain governors. That means somebody instead of staying for eight years; he will now be staying for 10 years.
“I think it will be easier for someone to deal with the issue of making a sacrifice than for someone to have the period for 10 years; I am not sure what our colleagues will say. If they say that those who are there now should benefit, that is fine. Those who are currently
serving should be able to excuse themselves and say we make this sacrifice on behalf of the system,” he said.
Source: CKN