Jonathan And Obasanjo Feud—Let Calm And Mutual Respect Prevail Advises PDP Ghana Chapter

The Ghana Chapter of the PDP has followed with consternation the on-going face-off between the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, and his predecessor, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. We hold the view that this development is not good for our party the PDP, our country Nigeria or Nigerians in the Diaspora, at a time all of Africa is looking up to us to provide leadership for the continental renaissance.

To be sure we fully respect the rights of the two revered leaders to voice their opinions and indeed their vast experience needs to be shared among all stakeholders in Nigeria's fortunes. However we believe that their exalted positions as top African statesmen demand that they be more circumspect in their utterances about each other. They need to remember that they are role models for millions of Africans, across the continent and indeed beyond. Their public squabble does not set the best example in this regard and indeed reduces their public stature which they have worked so hard to achieve.

Democracy is all about the offering of and ultimately the synthesis of different opinions and public policy options. In this regard the differing opinions of our two respected leaders reflects their democratic credentials and by extension, that of the PDP itself. However we are acutely aware that they share a common vision, that of the PDP itself for the development of our dear nation, their differences are simply the result of slight divergences of opinion in how to achieve that shared vision.

We believe therefore that the two leaders should work to resolve their different opinions in private rather than continue to expose them in public. This is for the good of not just our party and our Nation itself, but also for the good of Africa which is looking up to both of them for the leadership examples required for the continent to accelerate its development and growth in order to improve the living standards of its people.

The former president and the incumbent should join hands in building bridges across the country ahead the 2015 elections. Those fueling and fanning this amber of discontent should remember that a house divided against itself cannot stand

Therefore the two vastly experienced statesmen should put their personal differences aside for the common good of the party, the Nation and the continent. We plead with them both that their respective positions place too much responsibility on them to do otherwise. As the age old adage goes: united we stand, divided we fall. Let our two revered leaders stand as one, because Nigeria and Africa as a whole needs them to do so.

Chief Obasanjo should abide by the statement he made recently when he hosted the National Chairman of the Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, in his Hilltop country home, Abeokuta, Ogun State capital. According to him, “the country, the party and government would remain my primary concern, because, if there is no Nigeria, there will not be a party, and if there is no party, there will be nothing to govern on the platform of the party”.

Signed:
Oscar Sam Ugoh
Chairman-0244234763

Pastor Tony White Meribe
General Secretary-0244677555