"APC is creation of my administration" - President Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan on Sunday said the emergence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was as a result of the deliberate policy of his administration to entrench democracy in the country.

Jonathan spoke at a roundtable conference in Abuja tagged: ‘The Other Side of Goodluck Jonathan’s Administration’, through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim.

He said his administration allowed the opposition parties to merge, thus creating a formidable opposition in the country.

According to Jonathan, his deliberate policy of promoting freedom of association made it possible for those in the opposition to merge in order to contest against the ruling party.

He said the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has never been afraid of the APC, and enjoys its attacks and criticism because the opposition party remains its creation.

“President Jonathan believes a strong opposition is good for our democracy. The opposition should be very grateful to Mr. President. Say whatever you want to say, it doesn't matter, we enjoy it,” the president said.

He added that his administration has promoted the right to vote and be voted for and strengthened the sanctity and integrity of democracy by ensuring that votes count.

He said his administration, in its bid to entrench democratic values, has ensured the freedom of speech, adding that his administration was one, which is accepting insults and abuses from the people without having to reprimand
anyone.

Jonathan stated that despite all the negative comments against him and his government, there was no political prisoner in the country.

He added that his administration has been able to stabilise the National Assembly by not interfering, in spite of the turbulence in the legislature.

Credit: Jaiyeola Andrews/This Day