Written by Yemi Banjo and Rotimi IgeWednesday, 18 April 2012
A foremost legal practitioner, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), has advised President Goodluck Jonathan not to renege on the promise that he would only contest for one term.
The legal icon, after delivering a lecture, entitled: “Philanthropy and Law: Any Crossing line?” a programme organised by the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Monday, said though there was no written agreement or constitutional provision restraining him from contesting for the presidency a second term in 2015, he should avoid seeking re-election as a mark of honour and personal integrity.
According to Chief Babalola, “I do not know any portion of the 1999 Constitution which says if a president has been sworn in three times, he cannot contest for a second term.
“I believe, subject to correction, that the sitting president earlier served the remaining period in the tenure of his former principal, the late President Umaru Yar’Adua before contesting in 2011.”
While arguing that President Jonathan had not spent the maximum term of eight years as stipulated by the constitution, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria submitted that if President Jonathan said he would serve for just one term while campaigning, he should keep his words to retain his credibility.
Chief Babalola said no single government was expected to provide all the requirements of its people, while he urged well-meaning Nigerians and multinational companies to assist government in the provision of a better life for all.
He stressed that laws that would promulgate philantropy, especially in established organisations, should be enforced in Nigeria.
SOURCE: Nigerian Tribune, 18 April 2012. http://tribune.com.ng
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