President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday vows to wield the big stick against those behind the news that his government was planning an Interim National Government.
Jonathan spoke when he paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Daura, Katsina State, Alhaji Umar Faruk Umar which is the home town of his major contender, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).
He was accompanied on the visit by the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Adamu Muazu; members of the PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation; top government functionaries and prominent northern leaders.
Jonathan said he should not be accused of haunting people once he decides to deal decisively with those spreading the news of ING after he had made his position known that such move was treasonable.
“Let me use this opportunity to make a statement again because sometimes I read in the papers of people talking about interim government.
“Even yesterday (Friday), some people were making pronouncements that some people are planning interim government.
“And I will say that anybody who is planning or who is linked to anything that has to do with interim government must be dealt with according to the law. It is treasonable and government will not allow it.
“So, if people are arrested and being prosecuted, people should not say government is haunting people.
“There is no reason why people should talk about interim government that is not known to our constitution. It is treasonable and I will advise Nigerians to keep away from it,” President Jonathan said.
Noting that elections must hold as scheduled, the President said, “Elections are coming on March 28 as scheduled by INEC and on April 11 for governors and state assemblies as scheduled by INEC.
“Nigerians should prepare to go and vote for those we believe that can run the affairs of the country at the state level and the federal level”.
Jonathan took time to highlight his administration’s achievements in the last four years in the areas of education, transport and health among others to the traditional ruler.
He said he was ready to do more if re-elected on March 28.
On his part, the Emir thanked the President for the visit and told him to always count on his support and counsel.
He urged Jonathan to ensure there is peace throughout the country during the forthcoming national elections.
The royal father and his council of chiefs offered prayer for the president.
