Encomium
Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday, November 11, 2014, formally declared his bid for a second term in office on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at a ceremony held at Eagles’ Square, Abuja.
Lawyers and human rights activists have questioned the wisdom behind such decision, considering 47 students of Government Science Secondary School, Potiskum, Yobe State killed by a suspected Boko Haram suicide bomber just a days prior to the declaration.
ENCOMIUM Weekly sought the views of lawyers and human rights activists on the issue.
‘I EXPECTED HIM TO SHIFT THE DATE’
The declaration of Mr. President’s intention to contest for the seat of president 2015 on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is purely a party affair devoid of legal impediment. It borders on feelings and concerns on the part of the politicians.
In an ideal situation, suppose one of the victims is related to the president a shift in the date for the declaration would have taken place. However, the perpetrators of the dastard crime are cowards who distract instead of addressing the issue. It’s not an offence.
– JONATHAN IYIEKE, JJ IYIEKE CHAMBERS
‘HE SHOULD HAVE POSTPONED IT’
It is quite worrisome that inspite of the massacre of innocent school children, a day before the president’s declaration, the event went on with pomp and ceremony. We think it is only a country where the leaders do not value the lives of the citizens, especially children, that such happens. Though, we respect the president’s constitutional right to aspire to a second term and also have a declaration ceremony, we think it is rather unbecoming of a leader, an incumbent whose tenure witnessed so much bloodshed, especially of children, to go on with such a programme when the nation should be mourning. If it were a country where the leaders value the lives of citizens, the declaration would either be postponed or held in a sober way.
– HEDA RESOURCES CENTER
‘IT’S LACK OF SENSITIVITY OF HIS PART’
I think it was very wrong and showed lack of sensitivity to the great loss that befell the nation. The declaration ceremony should have been postponed or toned down to reflect the mood of the nation.
It is not about giving in to the terrorists but about recognizing that something tragic had befallen the nation.
– MRS. ICHORO EZE ANABA, Partnership for Justice
‘I AM NOT EVEN IN SUPPORT OF HIS SECOND TERM’
Nigeria is a blessed country which nobody can toss around, I don’t know what President Jonathan is still looking for, I am not in support of his declaration. What I expected from the President is for him to resign his appointment as the president, because during his time, corruption was the order of the day, terrorism has taken over every place during his time, no peace in Nigeria, unemployment is on increase, people are dying. He is the most corrupt leader I have ever seen. It was a mistake for him to become the president. What does he want again?
– AKIN OLADIPO AGBE, Civil Rights Liberty Organization
