By Jide Ajani

ABUJA — Former Chairman, Board of Trustees of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Anthony Anenih, has challenged President Goodluck Jonathan to focus his attention on good governance in the areas of electoral reforms, power and energy, even development and peace in the Niger Delta region as well as social stability all over the country as a basis for his justification for a possible participation in the contest for the presidency in 2011.

Chief Anenih also declared that the arrangement of zoning was never really observed in the party since 1999.

In addition, Anenih has set a number of conditions for President Jonathan to meet, consequent upon which he, Anenih, would fully support Jonathan’s candidature.

His views were contained in a letter dated June 14, 2010, and addressed to the Acting Chairman of the PDP entitled, “A thought on 2011 Presidency and party leadership: An open letter to the National Working Committee of the People’s Democratic Party.”

According to Chief Anenih in his letter: “The purported zoning arrangement was observed more in breach than in practice, especially in 2003 and 2007. The fact that some aspirants stepped down for others is not a sign that the purported zoning was respected.

“Today, the present situation in the PDP requires a re-examination. President Jonathan is on the same ticket with the late President Yar’Adua for eight years (four years of two terms). One half of that ticket dropped as a result of President Yar’Adua’s death. That half has now been restored, with the appointment of the Vice President, to allow Jonathan complete the remaining part of the tenure.  In view of the special circumstances facing the nation today, the most important issues that the President must pay attention to are: Machinery for free and fair election; Good performance; Respect for the multi-ethnic groups and sections in Nigeria; Peace in the Niger Delta region; Implementation of the Amnesty programme; Religious tolerance and Security of life and property in the country.

The ball is in their court
“The ball is absolutely in the court of President Jonathan and Vice President Sambo, a situation that presents a rare opportunity for both men to make history. If they are able to organise a free and fair election, ensure excellent performance in governance and do justice to all without discrimination, the sky will certainly be their limit.

“The major challenge may be that the time is short for proper planning for which the Acting Chairman of INEC had already given a warning signal when he said before the Senate that INEC was running out of time.”