(THEWILL) – Former President Goodluck Johnathan has warned Nigerians against perceived level of bitterness in the political scene as the 2023 general elections approach, saying that such an attitude is capable of stalling development in the country.

He, therefore, pleaded with politicians that politics is about marketing ideas. and not fighting or insulting, and it is not about abusing political opponents.

Speaking during the commissioning of the 1.15km Afi-Uko Ntighe bridge in Mbo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom state, on Monday, Johnathan stated: “We have noticed some levels of bitterness that will not bring development in the build-up to the general election.”

The former President, who was accompanied by former Governor of Kogi state, Capt Idris Wada, noted that developments strides by Governor Udom Emmanuel in the state were possible through sustainable peace and urged Nigerians to replicate the same peace in their various states during the election

“In the past seven and half years my younger brother, His Excellency Governor Udom Emmanuel, is the one who has been serving as enabler to all we are seeing.

“His strategic development plan has delivered great dividends to the people of this great State. Today we are here again to commissíon a special project, which like governor Udom’s other projects, is designed to promote economic growth and improve the lives of the people.

“Governor Udom has delivered several projects and built many Bridges, but this particular bridge we are commissioning today is a flagship project. Of course, we’ve been told that it is the fourth-longest bridge in the country.

“And the most unique thing is that it is the longest bridge ever built by a state government. It takes somebody with total commitment to improving the quality of life of his people to embark on such a project. Congratulations your Excellency”. Johnathan eulogised.

Governor Emmanuel had earlier told his guests that the inaugurated bridge was a fulfilment of his second term election promise for the people and warned critics to stop casting aspersion on the state expenditures as the Federal Government was still owing oil-producing states outstanding of over one trillion naira.

“Don’t follow such people. Even when the Federal Government openly came up and expressly stated that they are owing oil-producing states over one trillion naira and they only gave us only N62b in one year.”

Governor Emmanuel said the bridge will not only rekindle economic activities in the area but it is capable of linking all Local Government Areas in the state.

Residents of the area, who spoke with our Correspondent said efforts to construct the bridge started about 74 years ago but were happy that the bridge has finally been completed.