Corporate group endorses Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan

A Non-Governmental Organisation, the Nigerian Corporate Forum, has expressed confidence in President Goodluck Jonathan to do more if re-elected on Saturday.

The group, therefore, urged members of the corporate world to vote massively for Jonathan on March 28.

The group stated its position during a press conference in Lagos on Monday.

The Chairman of the forum, Otunba Funsho Lawal, said Jonathan had done well in the areas of education, agriculture, infrastructure and the economy as a whole.

Lawal, who is also the Chairman of the Corporate Affairs Commission, said he and many other captains of industry would vote for Jonathan because his government had created an atmosphere for private business to thrive.

He said, “It is noteworthy to mention here that the private sector has flourished and benefitted immensely from the business-friendly programmes of the Jonathan administration. Today, the Nigerian economy, with an average growth rate of 6.2 per cent per annum, is the largest economy in Africa – thanks to Jonathan’s administration.

“We, the corporate forum, therefore, resolve to encourage this administration to do more in order to consolidate on the gains already made to take this country to greater heights. Finally, the corporate forum on March 23, 2015, hereby endorses President Goodluck Jonathan for another term of four years.”

Director of the group, Mr. Francis Kudaya, said apart from the economy, Jonathan had made several achievements which had impacted directly on the life of the common man.

He said, “There have been financial sector reforms, pension reforms, Local Content Act, job creation reforms and manufacturing reforms. There have also been aviation sector reforms, maritime sector reforms, railway reforms, human capital reforms, education reforms and power reforms. Even though we have not seen the full impact of the (power) reform, we will soon begin to see power become much more stable.

“There have been trade and industry reforms, solid minerals reforms, health sector reforms, Freedom of Information Act. He is the first President to successfully convene the National Conference and this is what many previous presidents never had the courage to do although it is still subject to ratification by the National Assembly but we feel confident that most of the resolutions will be passed.”

The Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Prof. Bola Akinterinwa, commended the group for encouraging Nigerians to vote.

He said those in the corporate world – who are educated – should see it as a duty to educate the masses and guide them on who to vote for so as not to be led astray.