Interim Government: Northern elders warn Jonathan

Northern elders, on Wednesday, warned President Goodluck Jonathan not to dance to the tune of those singing the song of an Interim National Government (ING), saying such a call “is capable of truncating democracy in the country”.
“The February elections must hold under the most secure and peaceful conditions possible and we have no doubt that the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan is in a position to guarantee this, if he wishes,” the elders said in a statement by the Professor Ango Abdullahi-led Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF).
They said Nigerians would strongly resist any attempt to impose an ING “or any illegal arrangement that will stop the forthcoming elections”.
“We are reacting to certain sentiments that are being canvassed by anti-democratic forces. We advise President Jonathan to prove to the world that he can provide the necessary and enabling environment to conduct credible elections.’’
“We are concerned that some parties are being prevented from campaigning openly and freely in some parts of the country. We are alarmed at the disposition of many young Nigerians towards the use of violence in support of candidates or parties.’’