Buffeted by the controversies generated by his recent policy moves, President Goodluck Jonathan will during the week meet with political party leaders, across party lines, to court their goodwill and support in implementing his programmes, LEADERSHIP SUNDAY learnt yesterday.?
A top presidency source told LEADERSHIP SUNDAY over the weekend the president would reach across party lines to ensure that the substance of his recent policy proclamations, which have spawned considerable heat, are more convincingly clarified and sold to the party leaders.
Some of the elements that have provoked the ire of several stakeholders include, the presidential proposal on deregulating the down-stream petroleum sector, a move seen to lack inclusive consultation and insufficient reflection before it was unveiled by the presidency.
Implementation of the presidential initiative on starting a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), a move that has pitched the presidency against governors is also another subject on the cards of the planned presidential parley with party leaders within the week.
The presidential move comes against the background of mounting, widespread loss of faith by many Nigerians over the national security situation with particular anxiety over depredations and increasing boldness of the Boko Haram sect.