Jonathan and 2011: Moves by some Northern Elites to sway Ministers, Danjuma, against the President fails...

Goodluck Jonathan
Moves by the Arewa Elders Forum (AEF), to convince ministers of northern stock serving in the present administration to oppose President Goodluck Jonathan if he decides to run in next year's presidential election, may have suffered a setback.

Investigation by pointblanknews.com also revealed that the Forum, a shadowy front for some northern elites, met a brick wall when the approached some of Jonathan's ministers about the need for them to solidarise with the north and resign from the cabinet if Jonathan decides to run in 2011.

Even though Jonathan and his kitchen cabinet have been quiet about the speculation, there had been a groundswell of support for him by diverse ethnic groups in Nigeria and the international community.

Pointblanknews.com also learnt that the group has also failed in its bid to drag people like General T.Y Danjuma and National Security Adviser, Gen. Aliyu Gusau into their fold.

Those behind this plot are Tanko Yakassai, Bashir Dalhatu, Shetima Munguno, WaziriKurfi, Yahaya Kwande and Kanti Bello.

Pointblanknews.com sources also hinted Monday that the chairman of the Civil Rights Congress (CRC), Shehu Sanni, is being used by the AEF to discredit Jonathan in the media. He recently described the President as ambitious, loyal to Olusegun Obasanjo, and playing God.

However, Sanni as his group, sources disclosed, are having problems convincing the youth flank of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), and the Yar'Adua National Movement (YANM), which has backed Jonathan. The YANM had said recently “ we will support Goodluck Jonathan if he decides to run because the idea of a rotational presidency runs contrary to the constitution…there is need to give equal opportunities to all Nigerians to aspire…we are ready to give the President 100 per cent support should he decide to run”

Sources hinted that the AEF is very unpopular because its leadership is viewed as made up ethnic jingoists who have no national interest at heart. They are also seen as spent forces of northern politics with the emergence of Turks like Nuhu Ribadu, Nasir El-Rufai, and Abubaka Umar. Also its disdain for the more liberal Arewa Consultaive Forum is viewed as lousy for the northern interest.

Pointblannews.com also gathered asking the ministers is a long shot considering the fact the north has key ministries like works, federal capital, national planning, mines and steel, science and technology, and  sports.

Most of them are loyal to the President, state governors and or the PDP, and are not career politicians who worry much about the next elections.