by James Sambo

Goodluck Jonathan has implored the lawmakers behind his impeachment to ditch the plan and attend to pressing national issues, which he says, requires their utmost attention.

The President reacted to the impeachment moves in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, on Wednesday, 3 December.

Okupe lambasted the senators for compiling signatures and impeachable offences against the President, stating that: “It is our view that there are at present, serious fundamental issues of national importance such as winning the war against terrorism and stabilising the economy in the face of dwindling oil revenue which require the full attention, commitment and swift action of distinguished members of the Senate.”

“The Senate in the last four years has conducted its legislative functions and responded to issues that are of great national importance with commendable political sagacity. In this same period, the Senate has functioned as a stabilising force within the polity employing much political maturity that is required to guide and protect our nascent democracy.”

Furthermore, the statement, while acknowledging that the executive and legislature may not always see eye to eye, urged the Senators to dedicate their time to the problems of dwindling oil revenue, faltering economy, and the ever present threat of insurgency.

The statement added: “However, confrontation and strong disagreements are not uncommon phenomenon in Executive-Legislative relationship world-wide. The recent purported attempt by some senators to prepare impeachable offences against the President, as reported in some section of the media, is seen by us in this light. We strongly trust and believe in the leadership of the present Senate and the unwavering patriotism and commitment that have been shown by the distinguished members and we trust that ultimately it is this tendency towards true nationalism that will prevail in the Senate.”

Kolapo Olapoju