Former Abia State Governor, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, has implored President Goodluck Jonathan to not drop Vice-President, Namadi Sambo as his running mate for the 2015 presidential elections.
He said this at the Murtala Mohammed International Aiport on Friday while on his way out of the country.
Describing those calling for Sambo’s head as political jobbers, he said those were the enemies of the ruling party, adding that dropping the Vice-President would amount to a disincentive for the loyalty Sambo had demonstrated as a good deputy and ally who was not ambitious to rock the boat.
He said it was untrue that Jonathan was buckling under pressure to consider the Governor of Katsina , Alhaji Ibrahim Shema , the National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party ( PDP ), Alhaji Adamu Muazu or the Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido as his running mate.
“Considering the good working relationship between the duo of President Jonathan and Vice President Namadi Sambo, the wise thing is to allow the same team fly the party flag. Not only that Sambo has been loyal to the President, he has also supported and added value to the transformation agenda of the present administration.
“In order to ensure effectiveness and efficiency in government, the President gave a mandate for the Vice President to oversee some government agencies and technical committees for which, Sambo has performed credibly well. In addition, he has also contributed to the party by maintaining peace and unity in PDP especially in the North. Forget what anyone says, give it to Sambo, he remains a seasoned professional and a consummate politician,” Kalu said.
On the rumour that Jonathan was considering Muazu and other others as running mate, Kalu said, “I see that as a rumour. Our national chairman, Muazu is busy running the affairs of the party ahead of the forthcoming general elections. Remember, PDP remains the largest party and as such, Muazu has a lot on his table. I know he is not thinking in the direction of political jobbers.
“Anyone proposing Muazu as running mate to President Jonathan is an enemy of PDP. Jonathan/Sambo ticket remains the best. I urge perpetrators of such rumour not to cause confusion between trio of Jonathan, Sambo and Muazu. God has placed everyone in his rightful position.”
