President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday in Daura, Katsina State, said the Interim National Government (ING) being touted by some politicians was alien to the Nigerian constitution and such the call is “treasonable”.
The President said this when he paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Daura, Umar Faruk Umar, with members of the PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation, top government functionaries and prominent Northern leaders.
Daura is the hometown of All Progressives Congress’ Muhammadu Buhari, Mr. Jonathan’s main challenger in Saturday’s presidential election.
The president warned those speculating about an interim government that their action was treasonable as it contravened the constitution of the country.
He added that such persons will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
“Anybody planning ING or is linked with ING must be dealt with by law because it is treasonable
“ING is not known to our constitution; it is treasonable,” he said.
President Jonathan said that rather than fomenting trouble with such calls, Nigerians should prepare to go to the polls on March 28 and April 11 to elect credible leaders across the country.
“Nigerians should go and vote for those who will bring about development to the local, state and federal government levels.’’
The President told the Emir that his administration was part of the Emirate council as he Jonathan was a title holder in the Emirate.
“I will continue to do what is good for Daura, Katsina State and Nigerians.’’
According to him, within the past four years the administration has achieved so much in transforming the country and was ready to do more in the next four years.
“Within this time, we have done quite well but we have not reached where we want to reach yet.
“We have developed education at various levels and in Katsina alone we built 28 Almajiri schools to create a future for the youth.
“We are working with the Katsina State Government to improve education in the state, now and in the future.
The president said his agriculture intervention was robust as the Federal Government had changed the state of Nigerian roads, railways and health sectors.
He also mentioned the successes recorded in the eradication of polio, guinea worm and Ebola, adding that at the tertiary health level, Nigerian institutions were carrying out successful heart and kidney surgeries.
Mr. Jonathan said that after more than 30 years of being in limbo, the rail transport sector had been revived.
Mr. Jonathan said that it was the intention of his administration to link all states of the federation with railways to improve transportation, save travel time and cost as well as reduce road accidents.
“My administration is totally committed to improving the lives of Nigerians.
“We will also continue to bring peace to the country.’’
He commended the Emirate and the subjects for working together to ensure peace in the country.
The president further promised that in the next dispensation, his administration will implement the decisions of the just concluded National Conference to raise the standard of the traditional institutions in the country.
“As a member of your emirate council, I will not disappoint you,” he told the emir.
The Emir, in his response, thanked the president for the visit and told him to always count on his support and counsel.
Mr. Umar also told him to ensure there was peace throughout the country during the forthcoming general elections.
Among the president’s entourage were the National Chairman of PDP, Adamu Mu’azu, and the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Organisation, Ahmadu Alli, among others.
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