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Saturday, 18 January 2014

PDP Remains Unbeatable – Nwulu


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Tony Nwulu is the national cordinator of PDP Youth Wing. In this interview with Chibuzo Ukaibe, he said should Jonathan for any reason decide not to run for 2015, they would go to court to mandate him to contest. He further stated that it is insulting for anyone to say President Jonathan signed a one-term pact.
What are your expectations for the year as far as politics is concerned?
I expect to see a more mature politicking from the opposition, not the current myopic and infantile mindset which clearly depicts clownishness. In a campaign year like any other, I expect political realignments, such that wise counsel will prevail as to witnessing a massive defection of opposition members to PDP and a return of the G5 governors. As for the PDP, I expect to see more reconciliation and inclusiveness. The effort of the NWC leadership will become more visible. I also expect all hands to be on deck by supporting Alh. Bamanga Turkur led NWC to achieve the herculean task of building a truly united and undefeatedable party.
The PDP to which you belong is indeed going through a tough time. How concerned are you with the ravaging political erosion in the party, by that I mean the spate of defections going on in the PDP?
PDP is not going through any challenges that is not already peculiar with political parties of such size. There is no ravaging political erosion in PDP. For every 1 defection from PDP to the opposition, you have 100 defection from the opposition to the PDP. The opposition are simply seeking cheap publicity, like the proverbial empty barrel that makes the loudest noise that’s why they always run to the media, whereas we are busy harnessing our potentials. In fact, permit me to state categorically that PDP does not have opposition, rather we have prodigal PDP members that will eventually return home when they are exhausted.
PDP governors seem to believe the national chairman should be removed to salvage the party from its current problems, do you agree?
Which PDP governors specifically shares this belief? This notion is totally unfounded and I do not agree with you that any PDP governor wants the chairman removed. That’s an unfair accusation. Every PDP governor is proudly supportive of the party leadership, so are the members. For the PDP Youth Wing, we are solidly in support of the PDP leadership under a very capable Alh. Barmanga Tukur.
The issue of the one term pact allegedly signed by the president and governors of his party has yet again resurfaced with pronouncement of the Adamawa State governor. Coupled with the letter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo in that regard, what does it portray of the moral standing of the President?
The only pact that President Jonathan signed was with the over 160 million Nigerians when he took an oath to protect the lives and properties of Nigerians. To defend Nigeria territories and provide us with social amenities. Less informed people think the presidency of Nigeria belongs to them, but on the contrary, it belongs to the entirety of the populace. It is insulting to Nigerians when anyone says that he signed a one-term pact with Jonathan. How many terms did Obasanjo and the Adamawa man spend in office? Why should Jonathan’s own be different, More so since he has outperformed his predecessors? You can not question Jonathan’s morality based on few corrupt peoples illegality.
Your organisation has already declared support for President Jonathan seeking a second term. What happens if he declines from seeking a second term office?  
The PDP Youth Wing will sue Jonathan if he declines to contest for Presidency. He has performed very creditably and has to complete his transformation agenda. Jonathan is not distracted by the trappings of his office and clearly not as ambitious as some of our previous leaders. The Nigerian youths earnestly want Jonathan to continue.
One major issue that has continued to resound against this administration is its alleged poor record in the fight against corruption. Do you agree with this?
I totally disagree with that notion. President Jonathan has re-emphasised that his administration adheres strictly to the rule of law and will not spare anyone found culpable. We must understand that constitutionally every accused person is considered innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt too. Identified corrupt persons are currently facing trial in different courts across the country. This administration has achieved much more in the genuine fight against corruption than the previous administrations that only wasted taxpayers money fabricating corruption cases against perceived political opponents, only to have such cases being struck out in courts for lack of evidence & proof. We commend Jonathan’s efforts at curbing corruption so far, and urges him to prosecute the so called untouchables because we the Nigerian youths are solidly behind him.
What is the spread your of Organisation? And how does your Organisation intend to help sensitize against youth involvement in violence ahead of 2015 election?
The PDP Youth Wing has structures down to the ward level; we also have structures in our tertiary institutions. We will massively sensitize voters and campaign vigorously for Jonathan’s Re-election in 2015. Nigerian youths are better informed and meaningfully engaged under this administration. The opposition will always attempt to use the youths to unleash violence but I can assure you that they will be disappointed. They hide their children abroad and plan to use us as sacrificial lamb for their selfish ambition.
INEC has come under criticisms for the election it conducted in Anambra. Does it pose any concern ahead of 2015?
I believe INEC will continue to improve on their past record under Prof. Jega. As a man of impeccable character, I believe he and his team will ensure Nigerians witness free, fair and credible elections in 2015. I urge us to have more faith in INEC. There’s no cause for alarm yet.
INEC’s recently said election may not hold in Yobe, Borno and parts of Adamawa States were there is declaration of state of emergency. But in Yobe State, a Local government election was held and it was reported as peaceful. How do you relate the position of INEC on the conduct of election in those states and position of the opposition that there is a deliberate plot to disenfranchise people of those states which are mainly opposition states?
Sincerely I believe INEC as an election umpire knows what’s best. The opposition are always crying wolf. We are talking about security of lives and properties during election, which is paramount. I believe INEC is collaborating with relevant security agencies in that regard. PDP Youth Wing has very strong support base and visible structures in those states and we are ready to take over those states in 2015.

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