Keep your integrity aside, and learn from Jonathan — Hon. Bassey tells Buhari

Deputy Speaker of the Cross River House of Assembly, Hon. Joseph Bassey, has during an interaction with newsmen in Calabar, advised President Muhammadu Buhari to learn from former president Goodluck Jonathan, despite his self acclaimed integrity.



He said the former president who is both loved and missed by Nigerians, earned his respect by being humble, and allowing a free and fair presidential polls in 2015. He said, President Buhari can also enjoy this same good-will if he allows Nigerians to freely decide their next president in 2023.


“People where not expecting an opposition to take over power in 2015, but Jonathan solidified democracy and allowed the will of the masses to prevail”, he said.

Bassey further said that it was unnecessary for Buhari to even comment on not contesting for a third term, adding that he has no constitutional right to do so.




“The constitution gives room for two terms for executive positions. For him to make that statement it means he had the intent to run.

“The mandate given to the president is too fresh; i urge the President to be focused on governance by revamping the economic sector and tackling the security challenges across the country.



“Naturally, Buhari has got it all, been a military and civilian president; it’s a privilege. What is paramount now is the welfare and security of Nigerians”, he said.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had also similarly said that president Buhari's decision to not seek re-election for a third term in 2023, does not amount to doing the country a favor since it is not backed by the constitution.


The party in reaction to the President's New year message, said, "The PDP holds, in total submission to the letter and spirit of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), that it is not an issue of “standing down” or not being “available” for future election, but a decided and inevitable position as contained in our constitution that he must quit office after two terms which will end in 2023.



"Mr. President, therefore, does not have any other choice before the law.

"Whether President Buhari likes it or not, he and his APC will exit the arena at the end of this tenure. History is replete with lessons from those who sought to stretch our nation beyond her limits," the party said.