By Taye Obateru
The Federal Government says it will not be distracted by the activities of groups without well defined agenda, reaffirming commitment to transforming the country.

This is as former Lagos State governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, described the rotation of political offices as undemocratic and robbing the country of the right leadership.

President Goodluck Jonathan stated this yesterday in a message to the graduation of the Senior Executive Course 33 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPPS, Kuru, Plateau State.

Represented by Vice President Namadi Sambo, he said groups whose objectives are unclear and known only to themselves would not be allowed to derail the administration condemning acts of violence against innocent citizens under whatever guise.

He said government was doing everything to confront the menace, adding: “Nigeria is a peaceful place with hospitable people. Our compatriots are making their marks all over the world. I assure you that Nigeria will soon be at par with the greatest tourist attraction of the world and even the most cherished business and tourist nation in Africa”.

Speaking earlier on Friday, while chairing the graduation lecture, Tinubu said rotation of offices, especially the presidency had resulted in foisting wrong leaders on the country adding that the ‘progressives’ were seeking to take over governance of the country to take Nigeria to where it truly belongs.

”We must examine very deeply this idea of “Turn by Turn Nigeria Ltd”, when it comes to the aspiration for political offices particularly the presidency. This practice is an assault on the sovereignty of the people. Does such a policy honestly do Nigeria well or is it a boon for a select few?

”Instead of promoting harmony, it is a source of conflict and disharmony. Constitutionally, every Nigerian has a right to aspire for any office, irrespective of religion, place of origin or political preference.  Mandatory rotation of positions is an affront to democracy and places us further down the road of selection rather than election.

”It exalts mediocrity and access over talent and worth.  I would rather we install in an important office a decent and able man from another region than a cruel and incapable man from my own family.  I say this without hesitation because I speak from the heart and an unshakable commitment to democratic tenets”, he said.

The ACN leader, who spoke on “Managing Nigeria’s Pluralism for Peace and National Development”, said the rotation of offices was fueling the indigene-settler dichotomy rather than making Nigerians see themselves as brothers and sisters.