President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan displayed full compliance with the fund raising provision of the Electoral Act by insisting during his Campaign Fund Raising Dinner last night that no individual donor contributes more than N1million to his presidential campaign.  

The President also paid glowing tributes to his late boss and predecessor, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, conveying deep emotions when he pointed out that the last time he attended such an occasion was with the late President in early 2007, as his running mate. He called for a minute of silence in honour of the late President.

President Jonathan said the 2011 elections was not about his candidature alone, but about the future of the country and therefore counseled Nigerians to move beyond the limitations of sectional and parochial interests in order to engender  a solid foundation for the progress and development of the country.

He said the vision for his campaign was rooted in the common desire to deliver a government that will partner with the private sector to complement government’s investments in critical sectors of the economy, and fast-track the delivery of quality living conditions for all Nigerians.

The President promised that his administration will not let down the confidence Nigerians reposed in it, adding that it remains committed to consolidating on its achievements, and on-going programmes of action to transform the country. 

“We are delivering on our promise towards electoral reforms, adequate power supply,and peace in the Niger Delta. On these and other reforms, we will not relent,” the President said.

Director- General of the Jonathan/Sambo Campaign Organisation, Alhaji Dalhatu  Tafida, expressed confidence in the viability of the Jonathan/Sambo ticket, stating that the organisation believes in continuity and stability of the country. 

“This is a project that is accepted by all and sundry. The Jonathan/Sambo project is one that will unite us all, and bring development to this country,” he stated.

Chairman of the occasion, Chief Obafoluke Otudeko, in his remarks, said the mission to support President Jonathan was based on his conviction of the President’s commitment to the rule of law, while describing any investment towards the Jonathan/Sambo project as “a worthy cause that will guarantee the future and progress of the country”.

He said that Nigeria being a major global player with a robust market, abundant resources, and thriving economy, currently requires collective participation for change and therefore called on Nigerians to join hands in choosing the best leader for the country.

The fund raising dinner organised by the Jonathan/Sambo Presidential Campaign Organisation to raise funds for the execution of the president’s campaign for the 2011 presidential election, was attended by the crème de la crème of the Nigerian

society including Vice- President Namadi Sambo, visiting Kenyan Vice President, Mr Kulonzo Musyoka, Senate President, Senator David Mark, House of Reps Speaker, Hon. Dimeji Bankole, distinguished members of the Federal Executive Council and the National Assembly, party chieftains, captains of industry, business moguls, members of the diplomatic community, and a host of eminent Nigerians from all walks of life.

The chief launcher, Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu, state governors, business moguls – Mike Adenuga, Femi Otedola, Jimoh Ibrahim – and a host of other donors, stuck to the provisions of the Electoral Act by not exceeding N1million in their personal donations.

The occasion, which held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, also witnessed the formal launch of an on-line and SMS donation

initiative that will allow Nigerians contribute to the campaign using the mobile GSM and internet platforms.

Mitaire Ikpen

for: Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity.