Lecturers from all the tertiary educational institutions in Edo State at the weekend said the interest of Nigerians will be better served under the continued presidency of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.
Drawn from both state and private universities, polytechnics and colleges, the lecturers under the aegis of Edo Academia said that their decision is informed by the president’s policy stance, key sectorial analysis and opportunities for transformational development.
In addition, they said it is based on President Jonathan’s glaring intervention on the economy, education, employment, rule of law, youth empowerment and agriculture.
They also said their conclusion comes from the fact that Dr. Jonathan, a former colleague, is the first Nigerian head of state to hold a Ph.D whereas his opponent besides military training lack formal education.
“The business of governance is a steady and ongoing one. Truncation of policies and programmes has been the bane of leadership in Nigeria. Much has been achieved in recent years under the transformation agenda and other creative programmes for gainful employment of Nigerian youths”.
They also said President Jonathan has led Nigeria on the path of the Rule of Law: “Rather than personalise government and act arbitrarily, Jonathan has tried to institute a government which abides by the rule of law. It is work in progress which will be a setback to halt now”.
Convener of the Edo Academia, Professor Sam Guobadia, who is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the Benson Idahosa University, Benin City said the stark choice before Nigerians is a way forward and never backward.
He said, “Going by their antecedents in government, President Jonathan is easily the better choice for President than General Buhari come February 14th 2015; never mind Buhari’s strenuous but ineffective attempt to burnish his dictatorial posture, anti-democratic disposition and jack-booth orientation”.
