SSS directed to trail sponsors II Posters and handbillsdesigned to persuade Acting President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2011 presidential election have flooded the Federal Capital Territory. But Jonathan has washed his hands off the posters and directed the State Security Service (SSS) to smoke out those behind the campaign.
The posters with an imposing photograph of Jonathan, red and white colour at the background, and entitled “Support A Visioner 2011: Goodluck Is The Positive Hope for Nigeria”were pasted on strategic places: the Federal Secretariat area, Villa junction, Area 1 roundabout, Central Area and other places in Abuja.
Although there are speculations among the Acting President’s associates that Jonathan would run for the election, the man himself has not confirmed it.
In his celebrated interview with the Cable News Network (CNN) last week, he was asked whether he would run in 2011. He said: “For now, I don’t want to think about it, because the circumstances of the day are quite worrisome.”
He added: “I came in as the vice-president to run with President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. Of course, getting close to the period of election, he took ill. And I have to take over under somewhat controversial circumstances.
“So, let’s see how Nigeria will move forward first. If the country is not moving, what will I tell Nigerians I want to contest for? Yes, I am a politician and I would be interested in politics, since I am still relatively young.”
The acting president further told CNN that three options were available to him: to remain neutral, contest with somebody as vice-president or contest for the president, since the constitution allows him to do so.
However, a senior staff of the presidency told LEADERSHIP WEEKEND last night that the posters and handbills may be the fallout of the current crisis enveloping the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“Some political forces within the PDP that are confused about whether the acting president is running or not may have deliberately printed the posters and handbills to force Jonathan to make an official statement on the matter,” the source said.
The presidential aide added: “Surely, the acting president is not behind the posters and the security services have been directed to trail and fish out those behind it.”