Former minister of information, Chief Jerry Gana has called on President Bola Tinubu to act as a responsible statesman rather than a politician seeking to seize power.
He made the call on Sunday in Abuja at a press briefing organised by Kabiru Turaki, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) factional chairman.
Mr. Gana called on Tinubu to prioritise national unity, peace, and stability over political interests.
He said the president’s responsibilities extend beyond leading the All Progressives Congress (APC), noting that he is the father of the nation.
Gana said the president should oppose any action that could destabilise the country, even if it appeared to favour the APC.
“Mr chairman, I just wanted to take this opportunity to support your appeal. This intervention is just to support your position in appealing to the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by emphasising that the framers of our constitution assigned to the president of the nation three important assignments,” he said.
He said Tinubu must demonstrate responsible leadership by ensuring the country’s security, stability, integrity, and the welfare of Nigerians.
“And therefore, Mr chairman is appealing to the president to be a statesman at this point in time, not just purely a politician to grab power and move,” he said.
“If you grab power and Nigeria is in crisis, what do you benefit? It’s extremely important that the health, security, integrity, stability, and goodness of the Nigerian people are maintained. This is why we are appealing, not because we are afraid.
“Responsible leadership means the president is also head of state. And the third thing is that he is commander-in-chief.”
Meanwhile, Gana’s statement followed Turaki’s accusation of the APC members of making remarks capable of encouraging political violence and intimidation.
Turaki said the country’s political temperature was already high and called for responsible leadership to prevent a crisis.
“Nigeria is bigger than anybody and the ambition of any individual. We must appreciate that this country must survive for you to become whatever you want to become,” Turaki said.
He said political ambition should not take precedence over the country’s survival, noting that a major crisis in a country with an estimated population of 250 million could trigger a humanitarian situation with far-reaching consequences.
Mr. Turaki charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure a level playing field for all political parties.
The PDP factional chairman said intimidation, killings, attacks and blackmail would not guarantee genuine electoral victory.
