Nollywood actor, Ime Bishop Umoh, simply known as Okon has warned former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan against running for Presidency in 2023.
There have been speculations that the ex-president may dump the opposition party for the APC in a bid to emerge the platform’s flag bearer in the 2023 presidential poll to complete his second term, which he lost to President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015.
The defection rumour was fueled by Jonathan’s regular visit to the State House to meet with President Buhari, but in a widely circulated story, the former president has instead endorsed a former Senate President and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) – Anyim Pius Anyim.
On his rumoured ambition for the presidency, Goodluck Jonathan cleared the air saying he had no intentions to contest in the 2023 presidential elections and that if he did, Anyim Pius Anyim would be the one of the first to know. Also, he implored his followers, loyalists, stakeholders and Nigerians in general to throw their weight behind Anyim Pius Anyim.
“If Nigerians want a transparent government that would be open, effective and accountable, Anyim is one man I can recommend. We’ve worked closely, and I know what he brings to the table” Goodluck said. According to him, Anyim Pius is one of the few people he could trust to administer governance in a way that would not only stir the country right but also unite the Nigerian people.
In a recent interview, Anyim Pius Anyim went ahead to pledge his loyalty to the former president, referring to Goodluck Jonathan as his boss, and also to promise Nigerians that a government, ten times better than that of the former president awaits Nigerian when he gets into power. Many believe that this relationship could imply that if Anyim Pius Anyim is elected president in 2023, Nigeria will witness a development similar to what was experienced during Jonathan’s regime.
Yet, Okon in a recent post on Instagram said Jonathan as a President for one term will not be successful as he cannot change Nigeria in such a short time.
Giving his reason, Okon said too much damage has been done by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration hence one term is too little to fix it.
He pleaded with Jonathan to shelve the bait and remain the hero he is.
Okon wrote: “Rumors have it that Goodluck Jonathan is being wooed to run for president again. Abeg your excellency as tempting as it may sound, Don’t. Too much damage has been done and there is too little you can do to fix it in just a term.
“Imagine bringing Ronaldo in 90+2 minutes to turn around the fortunes of a team that is down by 7 nil what will he do? Magic?
“Remain the legend and hero you are sir. Duck the bait.”
