Daily Trust (Abuja)

Nigeria: Again FCT Minister Urges IBB, Atiku to Step Down for Jonathan

By Muideen Olaniyi, 1 September 2010

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Senator Bala Mohammed yesterday urged older politicians wishing to run for president in 2011 to step down for President Goodluck Jonathan, a younger contender for the job.

The minister, represented by the Minister of State in the ministry, Navy Capt. Caleb Omoniyi Olubolade, made the call at a Patron Day organized in Abuja by Goodluck/Sambo Solidarity Network (GOSASON) in Abuja yesterday.

Apparently referring to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, he said: "Time has come for Nigerians to look for younger people to take the leadership position of this country. We will continue to receive the contributions of the older group and we will listen to their advice. I will want you to continue to support the young generation. I urge you to unite and give us victory that is required for Goodluck Jonathan."

Earlier, National Coordinator of the group Alhaji Ahmed Ayinla, who called on President Jonathan to openly declare his interest in the 2011 presidential election immediately, assured that the group will give its total support for the president in the 2011 election.

Tagged: Nigeria, West Africa

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Comments 1 to 2 of 2 Post a comment

  • KAA ENOCH
    Sep 2 2010, 02:42
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    I strongly stand on the FCT ministers school of thought. Not just IBB but all this older military men should give way for the youunger ones with prospect to contest and lead this Nation while they become elder states men helping them with good advice from behind

  • keysmartins
    Sep 4 2010, 17:56
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    In search of Leadership, maturity, experience, reliability etc are a keys that must not be scarified in the name of generational change. We are tired of "child of circumstances", we are tired of hand picked or imposed rulers, puppets that are manipulated, we need people who truly desire and aspire to become presidents, those with written plans on what they want to do, those with vision of what they wish Nigeria to be. Atiku Abubakar among others has all it takes to lead this country and make a meaningful impact than we have had in the past years. Mr. FCT Minister, I hope you are not recommending the likes of Bankole and Elumelu as younger politician to lead us, any way, don't worry, I understand why you are supporting your boss, EFCC will not come after,