28th January, 2015
Pan Yoruba group, Afenifere, on Tuesday in Akure endorsed the second term presidential bid of President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The group gave the endorsement at the residence of Chief Reuben Fasoranti, its national leader, where it received Jonathan and his entourage.
In a speech read on his behalf by the National Secretary of Afenifere, Chief Seinde Arogbofa, the group said the endorsement was to enable Jonathan to complete the transformation agenda and implement the decisions of the National Conference for Nigeria’s progress.
“Afenifere is a socio-political association. We have always spoken out our minds on any matter that affects our country.
“We, therefore, want to say it loud and clear that after considering so many things, the Nigerian constitution inclusive, we see you for now as the best option to continue as the president of our dear country.
“Consequently, we call on all well-meaning Nigerians to join us,” he said.
Afenifere said it was encouraged by the transformation agenda of the President to give the endorsement.
The group also spoke of the need for the government to tackle the insecurity in the country and also to ensure equal spread of amenities and key national offices.
It thanked Jonathan for making the Federal University of Technology Medical College, Akure, a reality and for granting Ondo state a Federal Polytechnic.
It requested the President to appoint key officers of the state into the polytechnic for effective take-off.
Responding, Jonathan said he was committed to implementing the decisions of the national conference before the end of the first year of his second term if re-elected.
“We will not play politics with the report.”
The president also said he would not relent in the fight against insurgency and would not transfer it to his next administration.
Jonathan said the Yoruba race was key to Nigeria’s development and his administration would continue to work with the people for national development.
The President said his administration recorded milestones in aviation, road construction, education and transportation and would do more.
According to him, the administration completed 25,000 kms of roads, from the 5,000km it inherited and promised to complete the remaining 10,000kms soon.
He thanked the Afenifere for the endorsement which he described as novel in the activities of the group.
“We will achieve more for Nigerians. All we want is the support of the people. We will not disappoint you.”