2015: Lar, Gana, Others Assure Jonathan of Victory

President  Goodluck Jonathan

Former National Chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Solomon Lar and Dr. Okwesileze Nwodo, former Deputy National Chairman, Olabode George, and  former Minister of Information and National Orientation, Prof. Jerry Gana, were among the 44-man Elders’ Forum of the Goodluck Support Group (GSG) inaugurated yesterday in Abuja.

Other members of the forum include former Senate President, Ken Nnamani; former Deputy Senate President, Ibrahim Mantu, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Chibudon Nwuche; Senator Saidu Umar Kumo, Senator Tunde Ogbeha and Prof. Tunde Adeniran.

Speaking on behalf of the elders council, Mantu assured Jonathan of electoral victory, in 2015 presidential election, saying he was  impressed with the calibre of people in attendance.

"All of us here are very keen about the PDP performing wonderfully well in the in 2015, and we are fully aware that it is not going to be business as usual, because we have never had a serious opposition party that can be an alternative to the PDP, but we are beginning to see the opposition putting their house together, so we have a lot of work to do," he said.
He stated further that the elders’ forum would collectively ensure electoral victory for the PDP.

"I'm happy that God has be giving you the wisdom to bring these people together, and we would definitely bring our collective wisdom together for the success of the party. I have no doubt in my mind that with the set of people we have, we would do the right thing," he added.

Meanwhile, the Senior Special Adviser to the president on Political Matters and National Coordinator of GSG, Alhaji Ahmed Gulak, at the inauguration, said those who think that power cannot be attained without them should have a rethink.

Gulak noted that the PDP was not threatened by the emergence of All Progressives Congress (APC), adding that he had encouraged smaller political parties to come together and form a national party like the PDP so as to ensure democratic values in the country.

"There are some few people who believe that power must always belong to them, and who believe that you and me cannot be anything without passing through them, but we know it is God who decides what He wants. Anybody who tries to obstruct, or distort who God has put as Nigerian President is deceiving himself; power belongs to God and He gives it to anyone he wishes," he said.

He,  however, urged the elders to work hard in achieving their mandate.
The co-ordinator noted that some member of the elders’ forum were founding members of the PDP, and had made immense efforts towards the unity of Nigeria.

"Some of you were there when this party was formed, and some of you have made a lot of sacrifices and are still sacrificing for the unity of this country. The unity of this country is paramount; this country belongs to all of us inrespective of where we come from; or the religion we practice, or the language we speak," he added.

Also at the forum  were Sheikh Dan Zangar, Rev. Yusuf Turaki, Bishop Thomas Okpor, Major General Patrick Aziza (rtd), Senator Victor Ndoma Egba, Bishop C.N William, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, Prof. Jibril Aminu, Gen. Yakubu Usman (rtd)  Hon. Omakara Samson, Alhaji Abba Dabo, Chief Shaaibu Oyedokun, Hon. Patricia Etteh, Alhaji Lili Gabari, Dr. Eze M. O. Kano, Senator Umar Hambagda.

Alhaji Danladi Adeniran, Alhaji Musa Liman, Gen. Haladu Hananiyan (rtd), Mrs. G. M. Sasore, Dr. Olusegun Agagu, Aisha Aliyu Zamfara, Dr. Nuhu Zagbayi, Senator Aisha Alhassan, Hajiya Bola Shagaya, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and  Chief Innocent Chukwuma.

Others were Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, Alhaji Sanusi Baban Takko, Senator  Bode Olajumoke, Alhaji Usman Bauchi, Senator Saidu Umar Kumo,  Senator Ayoola Agboola and Hon. Sam Ode.

Source: Thisday Live