Jonathan hits at Obasanjo in the US over third term bid

Former President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday in United States of America, took a swipe on the former President, Olusegun Obasanjo over his third term bid, saying that if not for a vibrant parliament in place, he would have had his way.

 Jonathan spoke in the United States at an event titled: “Presidential elections and democratic consolidation in Africa: Case studies on Nigeria and Tanzania” and co- hosted by National Democratic Institute (NDI) and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

According to Jonathan, the strong resistance of the Nigerian National Assembly actually frustrated the third term bid of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. “Of course, I was a governor at that time under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the same party as Obasanjo, but due to strong resistance from the National Assembly, the third term bid failed.”

According to Jonathan, Africa needs strong parliaments to checkmate sit-tight presidents who influence parlia­ ments to consider amendment to the constitution that would extend their stay in office. “Changing constitutions to eliminate term limits in order to favour incumbents is inconsistent with democratic principles and reduces confidence in democratic institutions.”

Details in SUNNEWS