uncomfortable with his dwindling political fortunes in the National
Assembly despite the control of the two chambers of the national
legislature by his party.
Presidential sources hinted Saturday Vanguard that Jonathan was
particularly irked by the show of shame that erupted on the floor of
the House of Representatives earlier in the week as a result of the
face off between his supporters and opponents in the PDP, which broke
into two last month.
There have been reports that a fat sum of money, which was meant to be
disbursed to sympathetic lawmakers was not properly distributed
thereby infuriating those who made the money available.
Some lawmakers were said to have receive a paltry $25,000 instead of
$100,000 said to have been earmarked for them.
The wrong application of the money is said to have been partly
responsible for the free-for-all on the floor of the House of
Representatives during the week.
The source said that Jonathan was compelled to fire his Special
Adviser on National Assembly Matters, Sen. Joy Emordi, because of her
perceived weakness and inability to influence the lawmakers in his
favour.
The Presidency is said to have complained that Emordi had not been
able to exert her position on the legislature and attract the
requisite respect and support from majority of the members for
Jonathan since her engagement about two years ago.
Presidential strategists pondered why the 'opponents' of the President
appeared to be gaining more attention in the NASS in spite of the
position of Emordi and hordes of other officials working for the
President.
A source said, "It is clear to Mr. President that Emordi's presence
has not earned him the needed leverage in the legislature as many
members continue to work against his interest despite the fact that
they are from the dame party.
"She (Emordi) has clearly demonstrated through a lackluster perforce
that she cannot build the required bridge between the President and
the lawmakers and she had to go," the source said.
It was learnt last night that the Presidency was already shopping for
a more fiery northern politician, who would not only be able to
attract the necessary political clout but also be able to mobilise
support for the President.
Olagunju on the other hand is said to have failed to move NEPAD from
its precarious state since his appointment and had to be booted out by
the Presidency.
"NEPAD under Olagunju was dead and was only waiting for its final
burial," a source in the agency lamented, saying that the man had even
outlived his usefulness.
Reacting to the development yesterday, Senator Joy Emodi in between
receiving calls from serving legislators and well wishers expressed
thanks to the president and the legislators for the support given her
in the course of her assignment.
"I thank the president and all the legislators for the opportunity
given to me to work with them."
Senator Emodi was appointed to the position in 2011 and walked the
difficult path of forging cordiality between the administration and
the often skeptical National Assembly.
She was able to win the confidence of the legislators despite the hard
feelings felt towards some elements in the administration. [Vanguard]
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