Monday, December 31, 2012

PRESIDENT JONATHAN REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO ACCELERATED REDUCTION OF MATERNAL AND INFANT MORTALITY

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Monday in Abuja pledged that the Federal Government will continue to commit more resources and effort to accelerating the reduction of maternal and infant mortality in Nigeria.
Speaking at an audience with the Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Prof. Babatunde Osotimehin, President Jonathan said that his Administration will do everything possible to build on the reductions in maternal and infant mortality which have already been achieved in the country, as acknowledged by Prof. Osotimehin.
Expressing his strong personal commitment to the reduction of maternal and infant mortality, President Jonathan said that the Federal Government was pursuing a multifaceted approach by tackling the problem with improvements in health facilities, public sanitation,  education and communications across the country.     

‪ NEW YEAR MESSAGE TO THE NATION FROM PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR

Fellow Nigerians,
1.     I greet and rejoice with you all as we celebrate the advent of a new year.
2.   I join you all in giving thanks to God Almighty for bringing us and our beloved nation safely through the past year to the beginning of 2013 which, by His Grace, will be a much better year for us and our country.
3.   In keeping with tradition, it is usual for individuals, institutions and organizations to make resolutions and set agenda as a new year begins, to guide their actions in the coming months.

4.   I have already given a clear indication of the Federal Government's agenda for 2013 in recent pronouncements. Our objective for the year is to ensure by all possible means that more of the programmes and projects envisioned by this administration, and which are already being embarked upon are further brought on stream within the next 12 months to meet the yearnings of our people, and raise the quality of life.
5.    We have in the last year achieved a lot in terms of the positive transformation of vital sectors of our national life such as public infrastructure, power supply, oil and gas, transportation, education, health and agricultural development. We will continue to work diligently in 2013 to ensure that our efforts in these areas are carried forward to full fruition in fulfillment of our promise of better public services and improved living conditions for all Nigerians.

Friday, December 28, 2012

SERVICE OF SONG FOR THE LATE GEN ANDREW AZAZI

PIC FROM LEFT: GOV SERIAKE DICKSON OF BAYELSA; PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN; FIRSTLADY, DAME PATIENCE JONATHAN AND WIFE OF LATE GEN ANDREW AZAZI, MRS ALERO AZAZI DURING  A SERVICE OF SONG FOR THE LATE AZAZI AT PEACE PARK, YENAGOA ON  FRIDAY (28/12/12)

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Monday, December 24, 2012

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE TO THE NATION FROM PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR

Dearest Compatriots,
 
1.  I greet and felicitate with you all as we join the rest of the world in celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ the Messiah many years ago in Bethlehem. 
2.  Christmas and the lessons of Jesus Christ's mission on earth have great significance for us as a people and there can be no doubt that we all, irrespective of our religious beliefs, can draw immense strength and inspiration from the Messiah's enduring personification of selflessness, dedication to duty, and  commitment to the well-being of  others. 
3.  The virtues and ideals of peace, tolerance,  faithfulness, honesty, justice, fairness, true wisdom, knowledge and understanding which He taught and exemplified also remain very relevant to us in Nigeria as we continue to grapple with the challenges of development and nation-building.   
4.  My Administration continues to do its best to give our beloved country effective leadership towards rapidly overcoming present challenges. 
5.  As we celebrate Christmas, the ultimate significance of which is the fulfillment of God's promise of a Saviour for mankind, I urge you all to continue to trust in our unwavering commitment to fully achieving the objectives of our Agenda for National Transformation for the benefit of all Nigerians. 
6.  No one should doubt that we have the political will and determination to deliver on our promise of positive changes in the living conditions of our people in the shortest possible time. 
7.  While we continue to deal with the regrettable distractions posed by threats to peace and security in parts of the country, the Federal Government remains very focused on the primary objective of achieving significant improvements in priority areas such as public infrastructure, power supply, transportation, roads, health, education, job creation, agriculture and industrialization as quickly as possible. 
8.  It is my hope and expectation that more of the efforts, actions and measures we are already undertaking in these areas will successfully come to fruition next year and make the results of the diligent project planning and execution being done under this administration more apparent to all Nigerians. 
9.  I seize the opportunity of the Christmas celebrations to express my sincere appreciation, once again, to the vast majority of patriotic Nigerians who have kept faith with this Administration since its inception. 
10.             We will continue to count on your support and cooperation, as well as your prayers for peace, stability and progress of our beloved nation. 
11.             I wish you all a very merry Christmas. 
 
Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR
President
Federal Republic of Nigeria
December 25, 2012

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CONDOLENCE VISIT TO LATE GEN AZAZI FAMILY IN LAGOS

CAPTIONS

PIC 1. PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN SIGNING A CONDOLENCE REGISTER FOR THE LATE FORMER NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER (NSA) GEN ANDREW AZAZI IN LAGOS ON MONDAY (24/12/12)

PIC 2/2a PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN (R) CONDOLING WITH  MRS ALERO AZAZI, WIFE OF LATE FORMER NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER, GEN ANDREW AZAZI,  IN LAGOS ON MONDAY (24/12/12)

PIC 3. PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN WITH FAMILY MEMBERS OF THE LATE GEN ANDREW AZAZI DURING A  CONDOLENCE VISIT TO THE FAMILY RESIDENCE IN LAGOS ON MONDAY  (24/12/12).

PIC 4 PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN (R) WIFE OF THE LATE FORMER NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER, GEN ANDREW AZAZI, MRS ALERO AND THE CHILDREN DURING A  CONDOLENCE VISIT TO THE FAMILY RESIDENCE IN LAGOS (24/12/12).

STATE HOUSE PHOTO
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Saturday, December 15, 2012

PRESIDENT JONATHAN MOURNS VICTIMS OF HELICOPTER CRASH

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has expressed utter shock and sadness over the crash Saturday in Bayelsa State of a military helicopter resulting in the death of Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State and former National Security Adviser (NSA), Gen. Owoye Azazi (rtd), their aides, Dauda Tsoho and Warrant Officer Mohammed Kamal and the pilots, Commander Muritala Mohammed Daba and Lt. Adeyemi O. Sowole.

The President extends deep and heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the deceased, and the governments and people of Kaduna and Bayelsa States. He describes the sudden loss of these distinguished Nigerians as extremely painful to the entire nation.

President Jonathan has ordered an investigation into the cause(s) of the crash.

REUBEN ABATI
Special Adviser (Media & Publicity) to the President

December 15, 2012.


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Gen. Azazi, Gov. Yakowa feared dead in helicopter crash

YNaija has just confirmed a helicopter crash a few minutes from Okoroba in Bayelsa. Reports indicate that Gen Andrew Azazi, former national security adviser was in the helicopter.

He is feared dead, alongside governor of Kaduna State, Patrick Yakowa.

YNaija can however confirm that both men were seen boarding a helicopter to leave the event after a goodwill message from the Bayelsa governor. They were on their way back from the burial for the father of presidential aide, Oronto Douglas – Pa Tamunoobebara Douglas.

Guests at the well-attended event included the governor of Bayelsa state; Christian Association of Nigeria president, Ayo Oritsejafor: Airtel chairman, Oba Otudeko, Guy Murray-Bruce; Nollywood stars Dakore Egbuson-Akande and Rita Dominic, amongst others.

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Secretary of State Hillary Clinton faints, sustains concussion

WASHINGTON (AP) — Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, who skipped an overseas trip this past week because of a stomach virus, sustained a concussion after fainting, the State Department said Saturday.

The 65-year-old Clinton, who's expected to leave her job soon after serving as America's top diplomat during President Barack Obama's first term, is recovering at home after the incident last week and is being monitored by doctors, according to a statement by aide Philippe Reines.

Conn. police find 'very good evidence' on gunman

NEWTOWN, Conn. (AP) — The massacre of 26 children and adults at a Connecticut elementary school elicited horror and soul-searching around the world even as it raised more basic questions about why the gunman, a 20-year-old described as brilliant but remote, was driven to such a crime and how he chose his victims.
Investigators were trying to learn more about Adam Lanza and questioned his older brother, who was not believed to have been involved in the rampage at Sandy Hook Elementary. Police shed no light on the motive for the second-deadliest school shooting in U.S. history.

2013 HOLY GHOST CONGRESS OF THE REDEEMED CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF GOD

2013 HOLY GHOST CONGRESS OF THE REDEEMED CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF GOD ON FRIDAY AT THE REDEEMED CAMP,  LAGOS-IBADAN EXPRESS WAY.
 
PHOTO1-WIFE OF THE GENERAL OVERSEER OF REDEEMED CHRISTIAN CHURCH  OF GOD, MRS FOLU ADEBOYE, PASTOR DAVID OYEDEPO OF WINNERS CHAPEL, GOV. OLUSEGUN MIMIKO OF ONDO, HIS WIFE, KEMI AND OTHERS DURING THE CONGRESS
 
PHOTO2--A CROSS SECTION OF PASTORS DURING THE CONGRESS.
 
PHOTO3--GENERAL OVERSEER OF REDEEMED CHRISTIAN CHURCH  OF GOD, PASTOR ENOCH ADEBOYE PRAYING FOR PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN DURING THE CONGRESS.
 
PHOTO4-FROM RIGHT, PASTOR ENOCH ADEBOYE, PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN, MRS. FOLU ADEBOYE, CHAPLAIN TO THE PRESIDENT, VEN. OBIOMA ONWUZURUMBA AND CHIEF OF STAFF TO THE PRESIDENT, CHIEF MIKE OGHIADOME.
 
PHOTO5--FROM RIGHT, PASTOR ADEBOYE, PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN, MRS. FOLU ADEBOYE AND CHAPLAIN TO THE PRESIDENT, VEN. OBIOMA ONWUZURUMBA.
 
PHOTO6--MRS. FOLU ADEBOYE WITH (FROM RIGHT), GOV. OLUSEGUN MIMIKO OF ONDO STATE, PASTOR DAVID OYEDEPO OF WINNERS CHAPEL AND OTHERS DURING THE CONGRESS.
 
PHOTO7--PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN, PASTOR ENOCH ADEBOYE AND HIS WIFE, FOLU DURING THE CONGRESS.
 
PHOTO8-MASS CHOIR OF REDEEMED CHURCH DURING THE CONGRESS.
 
PHOTOS--STATE HOUSE.

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Friday, December 14, 2012

Ryan Lanza Identified By Police As Gunman In Deadly Connecticut Elementary School Shooting

THE suspect in one of the deadliest school shootings in history has been identified as Ryan Lanza, authorities said Friday.
According to police, Lanza, 24, is suspected of killing 27 people -- 8 adults and 18 children -- at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.
The shooter was killed during the rampage and several others were injured.
The identities of the shooting victims has not yet been released.
Lanza was wearing dark clothing, a mask, a bulletproof vest, and was carrying four guns. A cause and manner of death is pending, police said.
Police continue to investigate if there was a second shooter involved.

ARCHBISHOP ADETILOYE: NIGERIA HAS LOST A GREAT MAN OF GOD – PRESIDENT JONATHAN

President Goodluck Jonathan has commiserated with the family of the former Primate of the
Church of Nigeria (
Anglican Communion), Archbishop Joseph Abiodun
 Adetiloye
 and the entire Anglican Communion on the death of the patriarch earlier today.
In a condolence message, President Jonathan described late Archbishop
 Adetiloye as a great man of God who would be missed not only by members of the Anglican Communion, but all Nigerians.
The President noted that Archbishop Adetiloye will be long remembered for his zeal and passion for evangelism and planting of churches and his interest in not only the spiritual life of church members but also their education, health and economic well-being.
Eulogizing him further, President Jonathan said that the former Primate lived a good life devoted to unconditional service of God and humanity.
Recalling the notable achievements of the late Primate, especially his promotion of religious tolerance in the country, President Jonathan said that Archbishop Adetiloye whose tenure coincided with military rule in Nigeria, exhibited immense courage in his robust interventions in national discourses as he spoke forcefully against undemocratic governance .He prayed that Almighty God would grant the soul of the revered Archbishop eternal rest.
REUBEN ABATI
Special Adviser (Media & Publicity) to the President
December 14, 2012.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Ghanian President visits President Jonathan

PHOTO1--PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN WITH VISITING GHANIAN PRESIDENT,
JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA AND VICE PRESIDENT NAMADI SAMBO TODAY WEDNESDAY AT
THE PRESIDENTIAL VILLA IN ABUJA.

PHOTO2--PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN WITH VISITING GHANIAN PRESIDENT,
JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA TODAY AT THE PRESIDENTIAL VILLA IN ABUJA.
PHOTOS--STATE HOUSE

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Ghanian President visits President Jonathan

PHOTO1--PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN WITH VISITING GHANIAN PRESIDENT,
JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA AND VICE PRESIDENT NAMADI SAMBO TODAY WEDNESDAY AT
THE PRESIDENTIAL VILLA IN ABUJA.

PHOTO2--PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN WITH VISITING GHANIAN PRESIDENT,
JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA TODAY AT THE PRESIDENTIAL VILLA IN ABUJA.
PHOTOS--STATE HOUSE

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Monday, December 10, 2012

PRESIDENT JONATHAN CONGRATULATES PRESIDENT MAHAMA ON HIS VICTORY IN GHANA’S PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan congratulates President John Mahama of Ghana on his victory in last weekend's presidential elections in Ghana.

President Jonathan welcomes President Mahama's success in securing his people's mandate for a full term in office, following his assumption of Presidential powers after the death of his predecessor in July 2012, as an endorsement by the Ghanaian electorate of his leadership and his party's action plan for further socio-economic development and continued consolidation of democracy in the country.

President Jonathan notes that the very keenly contested elections have been adjudged as free and fair by observers from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and other international observers. The President on behalf of himself, the Government and people of Nigeria salutes the people of Ghana for the successful conduct of the polls.While calling on the victorious candidate and political party to extend a hand of partnership to the opposition, in the spirit of reconciliation and national progress, he enjoins all political leaders in Ghana to join hands with the government to collectively deepen democracy in the country in the overriding interest of continued peace, political stability and progress in their country.As President Mahama prepares to begin a complete term in office as leader of his country, President Jonathan assures him of the continued support, cooperation and goodwill of the Federal Government and people of Nigeria for his administration and the brotherly people of Ghana.

President Jonathan looks forward to continuing to work and collaborate with President Mahama and his administration at bilateral and multilateral levels on issues of common interest to Nigeria and Ghana.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
December 10, 2012

 

PRESIDENT JONATHAN BACK IN ABUJA AFTER BROTHER’S BURIAL, THANKS NIGERIANS FOR SUPPORT AND SYMPATHY

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan returned to Abuja on Monday after the burial rites of his younger brother, Chief Meni Innocent Jonathan in Otuoke, Bayelsa State at the weekend.

On behalf of the entire Jonathan family, President Jonathan wishes to convey his immense thanks and appreciation to all Nigerians and friends of the country who showed sympathy and solidarity with him and members of his family as they mourned and buried the late Chief Meni Jonathan.

The President wishes to particularly thank former Heads of State, State Governors, the entire leadership of the National Assembly, foreign Heads of State and Government, Diplomatic Representatives, members of professional and non-governmental organizations and ordinary Nigerians who either traveled to Otuoke for the burial ceremonies or commiserated with the family in other ways.He prays that God Almighty will bless and reward them all for their love,  kindness and sympathy which has helped to assuage the grief and pain of  his family over the loss of a beloved brother.  

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
December 10, 2012

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Criticism of those in Govt. is the price they pay - Reuben Abati

Amid criticisms and skepticism by political opponents unable to see anything good about the government of President Goodluck Jonathan, his spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati says the administration is focused and making progress.

In this interview, Abati took pains to draw attention to areas in the economy where changes are quietly taking place and the changes will in the near future transform the lives of Nigerians for good.

He also spoke of his experience in government, saying that he is still learning the ropes. He admitted that as a journalist, he was writing and criticizing government on the basis of the information at his disposal. Most times, he said, critics only see one side of the coin.

Abati is not regretting going into government. His advice to Nigerians is that whoever has the chance to serve the people in any capacity should not hesitate to do so.

Excerpts:

 

What has been your experience as spokesman for the president?

Let me say that the experience has been a very enriching one. It has also been very positive and educative. How do I mean? My original career is journalism and public affairs analysis and for more than 20 years, that was precisely what I did. I analyzed different aspects of society, focusing a lot on how Nigeria is governed, the persons who govern Nigeria, the processes of governance and all of that.

I was indeed a professional cynic, and that has to do with one's response to the level of Nigeria's development, the omissions within the governance process and also the attitude of the Nigerian leadership elite. But one thing that I have seen is that when you are outside government, how you react, what you see and what you understand is different from what you experience when you are inside.

For me, I will say it is a very enriching experience in the sense that I have been out there analyzing Nigeria from my observatory within the media. I have been inside now and looking back these past few months, I will like to say that I have no regrets. I think anybody who has the opportunity to come into the governance arena should not let the opportunity pass. If you just stay out there making statements and analyzing, what you have is just one side of the coin. I think it is good for as many Nigerians as possible to go into governance, into the public sphere as it were, to gain direct first-hand, intimate and frontal understanding of how Nigeria works or how Nigeria is organised.

Given the short period that I have spent here, it is not an experience that you can quantify and, of course, I am still learning. There are people who have been on this side for quite a long time. But in terms of comparative experience, my current experience has enriched me and I think that it is a very positive thing. You also gain an opportunity to make a contribution. I can assure you that it is a totally different environment. When you are in government, the role is different. You are no longer the critic throwing stones. You get an opportunity to observe things and to give suggestions and to observe how things work and also to play your own little role in terms of your assignment and in that your own little corner, you make a difference.

There are areas of similarities out there and in here. When you are in the private sector, it is about teamwork, it is a relay race. One man takes the baton and gives to the other. In government, it is also teamwork. It is a system and individuals also run that system. If you are out there, you have ideas about people in government, particularly political appointees – you think people have gone there and they just want to make money, they know nothing about anything and they are just enjoying privileges. But it is a lot of hard work. I used to believe that people in government have no ideas and that they don't think. But when you come in, you will see that people work very hard. That Nigeria has been able to make the progress that it has been able to make since independence, that Nigeria has been able to move beyond military rule since 1999 and has been able to reach this level is because some people had to work hard at it. It is because some people have made the contributions. It is not right for all of us to stay out and say look, whoever likes can go into government. In any case, they are going there to go and make money. It is a misconception and that misconception arises from the confidence gap that has always existed between government and the people in Nigeria. But a lot of that confidence gap is due to lack of knowledge.

Now that the hunter is now being hunted, how do you feel?

I don't know what you mean about the hunter being hunted.

You used to be a critic of government. Now you are on the hot seat. You and your boss are under artillery fire.

(Laughter) I think that it is a price that people who go into governance pay. As I have said, there is that confidence gap. If you go into government in Nigeria, you immediately raise a lot of suspicion because Nigerians like to feel that anybody that is in government is a bad person. There is this 'they' and 'us' division. That is why one of the things that President Jonathan is doing is to continue to try in every possible way to bridge that gap between government and the people and to prove to Nigerians that things can be done differently. Under President Jonathan's watch, you see that a lot has changed. He is the President people can look up to and say he is one of us. He didn't get there because he has been one military chief. He got there because the people of Nigeria put him there.

Does the President have a godfather?

Well, what do you mean by asking if the President has a godfather? The godfather that the president has is the people of Nigeria. They are the people that voted for him overwhelmingly. The biggest godfather in a democracy should be the people. This is the whole point Mr. President has been making with the reform process. Under his watch, he has continued to make the point that he will raise the integrity level of elections in Nigeria and he has succeeded in that regard. The general elections of 2011 was praised to high heavens by both local and international observers and all the elections held after that in Edo, Ondo and other bye-elections in other places were praised.

Now, our electoral commissioners including the INEC chairman get invited by other countries to provide technical assistance in other countries. Nigeria's INEC chairman gets invited as an expert by other African countries. That says a lot in a country where people were snatching ballot boxes and printing ballot papers. You never heard of that under this President. There may be hitches here and there, but not the kind we used to have with elections.

We have a situation now whereby the man who is the godfather of Nigerian politics is the voter and this is the whole point about transformation. That is why, in all the elections that have been organised under President Jonathan, people came out to vote with confidence. The people used the power of their votes. I think the President has laid so much emphasis on the voter – one man, one vote, one woman, one vote and one youth, one vote. This has been President Jonathan's message.

That kind of system does not accommodate godfathers. It accommodates a system that is democratic, where the emphasis is on service and it is on the people's power and right of choice.

Let me ask this question: you are an experienced journalist. Today, you are in government. Which are you more comfortable in?

As I said earlier, they are two different kinds of experience and it is premature for me to say one experience is necessarily better than the other. Both have value and you can't isolate one from the other. When you match the two together, what you get is a positive outcome. That was why I said I find one chapter in this book-in-progress reinforcing another chapter.

You spoke about people working hard in government. Would you say then that all the talks about corruption in government are misplaced?

It is a Nigerian reality. I am not going to tell you that there are no challenges within the system. Of course, in any human system, you will find people who are there to serve and you will find people who are there to compromise the system. That is why one of the major issues for this administration is that institutions matter. Rules matter. When you have institutions and you have rules and procedures, you should also have the human beings who are to process those rules of operation within the institution. Now, what the administration is doing is to make sure that institutions are sacred and due process is respected and that men and women who drive the system are people who were not chosen because they belong to a political party, or on the basis of favouritism, but because they share the vision of the leader to make a difference. When there are infractions, such persons are identified and they are sanctioned accordingly.

You know there are so many complexities in terms of how the Nigerian system works generally. What I can tell you categorically is that this administration is committed to building institutions.

The President made some unpopular decisions and was widely criticized for it. One of this was the New Year gift of fuel subsidy removal and the way he sent soldiers to stop the protest. 

The leaders of the opposition are not looking at the issue on its merit. In fact, if you go back, you will see that many leaders in opposition who were complaining about the deregulation of the downstream sector did not disagree with it. They all agreed that the downstream sector should be deregulated. But people just find it convenient to play politics. The issue that was raised at the time was the timing of the government initiative. The whole argument was, why should government do it in January when it has promised to do it in April? On the basis of that, people mobilized troublemakers and they went from street to street with the intention to embarrass the government.

If you look back, you will also see that, the protest had a political coloration. In many parts of the country, there was no protest. But in Lagos, partisan characters gathered at one section of the city, they were being served food, they were wearing designer T-shirts supplied by persons who thought that their goal was to pull down the government. People were listening to music and comedians and musicians were contracted. That was not a people's protest. That was a political rally and it assumed the character of a jamboree. It was so obvious that the whole thing was politically motivated and that politicians took over.

Now you talked about soldiers being sent to prevent the gathering.  Well, it was not the President who ordered that soldiers should go to Lagos. The truth is that there are existing agencies of state whose primary responsibility is to prevent a breakdown of law and order. They don't need to wait for the President to say some rioters are trying to disrupt law and order. There are agencies of government whose duty is to prevent breakdown of law and order.

Are you saying that the soldiers came out on their own volition?

They were acting on orders. They definitely worked on the basis of orders. But it doesn't have to be the President personally giving such orders. They have their own superior officers and they have the responsibility to do their job, which is to prevent the breakdown of law and order. People were holding rallies and threatening to pull down the Nigerian state. They were threatening to cause mayhem and they were taking steps in that direction.

What do you say to the dimension Boko Haram is taking today?

In this country, nobody thought in the recent past that a Nigerian could commit suicide or be involved in suicide bombing. But we've seen that the times have changed. People have been disoriented and wrongly educated and they can engage in the act of complete self-immolation. What has happened in the last two or three years is that the security agencies had to retool and to re-school themselves and build their capacity. The evidence of that is that they have shown a greater capacity, determination and greater resourcefulness in dealing with the Boko Haram problem.

Government has made it very clear that it will do everything to protect the rule of law. Whoever commits a crime against the state will be sanctioned. There is no negotiation about that. Impunity of any sort will not be condoned. The President has made it clear that there are sociological dimensions, political dimensions and criminal dimensions to Boko Haram.

When the issue is one of sociology, maybe unemployment and ignorance, government is targeting the vulnerable group involved with a policy of education for job creation and productive engagement.

When the issue is one of criminality, government will not condone that. When the issue is political, government has made it very clear that there is political Boko Haram.  People are hiding under the cover of Boko Haram to engage in the act of sabotage against the Nigerian state. When that can be established, such persons would be dealt with.

The President also recognizes that the effect of terrorism is an international one. This is a statement of fact. On this count, the president has been actively involved in engagement within the West African region.   Our President is co-mediator in the Malian crisis and it will interest you to know that in the Malian crisis, there is a Boko Haram element. The Boko Haram is there in northern Mali. Apart from the religious extremists, you also have the Boko Haram responsible for the crisis in northern Mali. So, when the Nigerian government gets involved in the situation in Mali, it is also involved in the process of sharing knowledge. It is also involved in the process of trying to bridge the likely source of supply of Boko Haram elements into the Nigerian territory.  It is not as simplistic as a lot of people are trying to make it. It is a major security challenge and there are many dimensions to it.

General Olusegun Obasanjo has said that the President and his predecessor did not nip the Boko Haram insurgence in the bud as he did in the case of Odi.

The beauty about this society we live is that it is a democracy and under a democracy, people are free to say all kinds of things. This is a government that respects freedom of opinion. But the truth of the matter is that government doesn't want to bandy words with anybody. President Jonathan has been given an assignment. He is the man who has been elected the President of Nigeria and he doesn't want to play politics with something as serious as ensuring the security of lives and properties of Nigerians. What we want to stress is the fact that this government has shown a lot of seriousness and a lot of resourcefulness to deal with the Boko Haram challenge.  If you compare the situation today to what the case was a year ago, you will give government credit that a lot of progress has been made. The government wants to remain focused on finding solutions and not be bugged down by comments that try to discredit its efforts.

There are speculations that the president will run again. The body language and the comment of his lawyer in court suggest that the President will run. Many said he has the right to contest while others oppose it.

This issue about body language was addressed in a presidential media chat that we had in June. The President said people should stop talking about body language. Our position simply is that this administration is busy trying to build infrastructure, busy trying to build institutions, busy strengthening the electoral system in Nigeria and busy enriching Nigeria's foreign policy process. President Jonathan is busy providing leadership. He has a lot of work to do and he has asked people not to distract him. As far as he is concerned, it is too premature to discuss 2015.

Some people have turned themselves into mind readers on this issue. Some have turned themselves into prophets; some have become mediums listening to some unseen forces telling them what will happen in 2015. Everybody has become experts on the issue. Government is not devoting its energy to 2015. The Jonathan administration is devoting its energy to the transformation agenda. President Jonathan is concerned about how to continue to deliver service to the people of Nigeria. He is not talking about 2015.

But the president has the right to run if he so wishes?

If you say so, you are the one saying so. But he is not discussing 2015.

Some groups such as MASSOB and others in the Middle Belt declared unilateral independence. What is the attitude of government to it? 

You see, in a democracy, anybody can just stand up and carry a banner, go unto the expressway and start screaming. It is within that person's right to do so. But what people do not have the right to do is to threaten the integrity of the Nigerian state, to violate the rule of law and order or simply take the laws into their hands.

The people who have been going about declaring this republic and that republic, maybe they made some noise on the pages of newspapers or they shout on radio or appear on television. That is where it has ended. I believe that if anybody takes a deliberate step to violate the integrity of the Nigerian state, the institutions of state whose primary responsibility is to protect the indivisibility of the Nigerian state and Nigerian nation, will do their job. It is not a thing to worry about. People just must know that if they take certain steps, it has its own consequences.  The Nigerian state has institutions and those institutions function. So, it is not about government worrying itself or not worrying itself. You watch if anybody takes any step to violate the integrity of the state, the people whose job it is to protect the state will do their job. They will protect the state against any threat, internal or external.

What are the challenges facing the government of President Jonathan?

Governance is a process. As you go along, all kinds of challenges come up. Governance is about problem solving. The attitude of President Jonathan is that there is no challenge that is insurmountable. There is no challenge that should cause Nigerians an occasion for despair. Any challenge at all that comes up is a call for quality response on the part of government. If you look at the way this administration has been going, one challenge or the other stood up at one point or the other and what government does is to stand up and address the challenge and where possible turn some of those challenges to opportunities. So, it would be wrong to say this is the greatest challenge that we face. President Jonathan does not approach the business of governance in terms of obstacles. He approaches it in terms of solving problems, providing solutions and providing leadership.

How successful is the job creation effort of the Federal Government?

If you've been following the details of the government effort in the last one year, it will be easy to identify the steps taken. The first is agriculture. This administration focuses a lot on agriculture. We see agriculture not as farming but as business.  We see agriculture as entrepreneurship and as a job creation platform. This has been processed in terms of collaboration with various state governments with the private sector to create opportunity for a lot of Nigerians to be engaged. People say that Nigeria is dependent on oil; the biggest employer of labour in this economy is still agriculture. What this administration has been trying to do in collaboration with many of the states is to raise the level of contribution of agriculture both in GDP and also in terms of job creation opportunities.  In many parts of the country, the emphasis on the agricultural value chain, cassava value chain, rice value chain, palm oil value chain and sorghum value chain have all created opportunities for many Nigerians and the benefit is huge.

Secondly, this administration has been empowering the private sector a lot. If you look at the October 1 speech delivered by Mr. President, you will see that it even contains special incentives for the private sector. When the private sector is empowered, when an enabling environment is provided for the private sector, then the absorptive capacity of the private sector is further extended. In the last one and half year alone, statistics from the Ministry of Trade and Investment indicates that the inflow of direct foreign investment has been on the upswing. What that means is that when a lot of investors are coming from abroad and investing in local economy, the people who will be engaged are Nigerians.

What President Jonathan always says when he travels abroad and meet with investors is that he does not want portfolio investors who bring things to come and sell in Nigeria because Nigeria is a big market. He wants investors who will come and set up factories in Nigeria or who will begin the process of engaging Nigerians.

Another area in terms of job creation has been some of the activities of the Ministry of Finance. You must have heard about the You WIN programme, which is designed to create about 360,000 jobs per annum. You may say this number is small, but the process is ongoing and it is continuous. It is a sustainable initiative to engage a lot of Nigerians.

Apart from the regular You WIN programme, we also have the You WIN programme for women. Programmes have been held, the evidence is available in the public domain of persons who have benefited from the programme. The interesting thing about this You WIN programme is the multiplier effect. It targets entrepreneurs, young entrepreneurs, women and men.

When you empower one individual who is setting up his small business and that business is strengthened, he employs others. If our target is 360,000 persons, that 360,000 has a multiplier effect in terms of other people that are engaged within the business. From the testimony we were given, there is a lot that has been done in this regard.

The best initiative has also been government efforts in providing infrastructure and the progress that has been made in the power sector is something that you should particularly note. The usual criticism in this country before now had always been that a lot of people were rendered unemployed simply because there was no regular power supply. What this government has demonstrated is that it is possible to address the challenge of power. At the moment, the amount of power that is generated is very high and it is not even all that is generated that is evacuated. By the time the issues of transmissions and privatization to various distribution companies are sorted out and all of these processes come to full realization, Nigerians will really see the benefit and the man that gains is the artisan who used to have electricity for two hours and who in different parts of Nigeria now gets 15 hours of electricity per day.

The problem has not been totally resolved. There are Nigerians who still say the transformation in the power sector has not yet reached their part of the country. But there are more people giving testimony that they are benefiting from the effort of the government. I can only tell you that it can only get better because  it also translates into job opportunities-the roadside welder, the electrician, the entire people who need electricity to be able to work and even many of the industries. Only recently, the President hosted the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) during the session of the Economic Management Team. The MAN said there is improvement in the power supply and they were asking for incentives. Some of them said they generate their own electricity and government said we give you incentives for that effort that you are making. If the companies get that kind of relief, they will be in a better position to absorb more employers. These are some of the areas in which a lot is being done.

Government said it intends to build three more refineries in addition to the three Nigeria has. What is the position of the refineries today?

You will recall that this year, President Jonathan directed that certain committees should be set up to look into different aspects of the oil and gas sector. They are to come up with facts and recommendations and offer advice as to how the oil and gas sector can be transformed with emphasis on integrity, accountability and transparency.

First was the PIB and it submitted its report in June and Petroleum Industry bill has since been sent to the National Assembly. It has passed the second stage of reading in the House of Representatives.

We have three committees that submitted their reports recently and on which white paper committees have been set up. There are special Task Force on Controls, The Special Task Force on National Refineries and the Petroleum Revenue Task Force. One of those Task Forces, the one chaired by Kalu Idika Kalu was devoted to the issue of refineries. Let us await the outcome of the White Paper and steps taken by government. I can assure you that government is already addressing the issue.

The President has also made it clear that the administration is interested in private investment in the refineries. This is where some of this issue about removal of fuel subsidy removal comes up. But the position of government is about deregulation of the downstream sector.   If you have to deregulate the downstream sector and invite private investors, then you have to provide an enabling environment for people who want to invest in that sector. It would include environment that is conducive for efficiency, accountability and transparency.

But people don't understand some of these things. They sensationalize and make it look like all these are about raising the fuel price. It is about raising the efficiency in the downstream sector.

There is the criticism of committees set up to look into the work of committees.

Many of the people who make that kind of comment are mischievous or they don't understand how government works. I read some of those comments. The point is that government is not a one-man show. Committees are set up to run government all over the world. Government is about individuals, departments, stakeholders, consensus, processes and outcomes. What you call government is making the best use of a pool of knowledge that is available to achieve the best result for the people.

PRESIDENTS OF SIERRA LEONE AND MALAWI MOURN WITH PRESIDENT JONATHAN


President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has received letters of condolence from two African leaders on the death of his brother, Chief Meni Innocent Jonathan on November 20, 2012 and whose remains would be interred today (Saturday) at his hometown, Otuoke, Bayelsa State.
In his letter, President Ernest Bai Koroma of Sierra Leone said he was "deeply saddened by the news of the death" and "on behalf of the Government and people of Sierra Leone and on my own personal behalf, let me extend sincere condolences to you and the entire Jonathan family for this irreparable loss."
President Joyce Banda of Malawi in her letter of condolence said, "It is with deep shock and sadness that I learnt of the death of your brother." On behalf of herself, her family and Government and people of Malawi, she conveyed "sincere condolences" and asked "the Almighty God" to grant President Jonathan and his family the "Grace and comfort during this mourning period."
 
REUBEN ABATI
Special Adviser (Media & Publicity) to the President
December 8, 2012

Saturday, December 8, 2012

PRESIDENTS OF SIERRA LEONE AND MALAWI MOURN WITH PRESIDENT JONATHAN


President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has received letters of condolence from two African leaders on the death of his brother, Chief Meni Innocent Jonathan on November 20, 2012 and whose remains would be interred today (Saturday) at his hometown, Otuoke, Bayelsa State.
In his letter, President Ernest Bai Koroma of Sierra Leone said he was "deeply saddened by the news of the death" and "on behalf of the Government and people of Sierra Leone and on my own personal behalf, let me extend sincere condolences to you and the entire Jonathan family for this irreparable loss."
President Joyce Banda of Malawi in her letter of condolence said, "It is with deep shock and sadness that I learnt of the death of your brother." On behalf of herself, her family and Government and people of Malawi, she conveyed "sincere condolences" and asked "the Almighty God" to grant President Jonathan and his family the "Grace and comfort during this mourning period."
 
REUBEN ABATI
Special Adviser (Media & Publicity) to the President
December 8, 2012

BURIAL OF LATE  INNOCENT MENI JONATHAN

BURIAL OF LATE  INNOCENT MENI JONATHAN JUNIOR BROTHER TO PRESIDENT GOODLUCK
JONATHAN TODAY SATURDAY 8th DEC. 2012 AFTER A FUNERAL CHURCH SERVICE AT ST. STEPHEN'S
ANGLICAN CHURCH, OTUOKE IN OGBIA LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF BAYELSA STATE.

PHOTO1--CASKET CONTAINING THE REMAINS OF LATE INNOCENT JONATHAN DURING
THE CHURCH SERVICE AT ST. STEPHEN ANGLICAN CHURCH.

PHOTO2--CHILDREN OF DECEASED DURING THE FUNERAL SERVICE.

PHOTO3--DEPUTY SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, CHIEF EMEKA
IHEDIOA AND OTHER NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MEMBERS.

PHOTO 4-FORMER NSA, GEN. ANDREW AZAZI AND OTHER DIGNITARIES DURING THE SERVICE.

PHOTO 5-PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN PACIFYING THE CHILDREN DURING THE BURIAL.

PHOTO6 - PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN, HIS WIFE PATIENCE AND FIRST SON OF
HIS LATE  BROTHER LAMAWAL AFTER THE CHURCH SERVICE.

PHOTO 7 -PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN, HIS WIFE PATIENCE AND WIVES OF HIS
LATE  JUNIOR BROTHER DURING THE BURIAL.

PHOTO 8 - PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN, HIS WIFE PATIENCE, HIS MOTHER
EUNICE, GOV. SERIAKE DICKSON OF BAYELSA AND HIS WIFE MARTHR SINGING
DURING THE FUNERAL SERVICE.

PHOTO 9 - ACE FOOTBALLER, KANU NWANKWO AND SOME OTHER DIGNITARIES DURING
THE SERVICE.

PHOTOS--STATE HOUSE.

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PHOTOS: MENI JONATHAN'S BURIAL IN OTUOKE

ACTIVITIES FOR THE BURIAL OF CHIEF INNOCENT MENI JONATHAN JUNIOR BROTHER TO
PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN IN OTUOKE, OGBIA LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF
BAYELSA STATE TODAY FRIDAY 07/12/2012.

PHOTO 1- A CROSS SECTION OF WOMEN SINGING DURING THE SERVICE OF SONGS.

PHOTO 2 - CASKET CONTAINIG THE REMAINS OF LATE INNOCENT ARRIVING IN OTUEKE.

PHOTO 3 - CHOIR SINGING DURING THE SERVICE OF SONGS

PHOTO 4 - PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN WITH HIS WIFE PATIENCE AND GOV.
SERIAKE DICKSON WITH HIS WIFE MARTYR.

PHOTO5--PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN WITH REMAINS OF HIS LATE BROTHER
INNOCENT ON THE ARRIVAL IN OTUEKE.

PHOTO6--PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN WITH SOME FAMILY MEMBERS AS THE
CASKET CARRYING THE REMAINS OF HIS LATE BROTHER  INNOCENT ARRIVED IN
OTUEKE.

PHOTO7--SENATE PRESIDENT, SEN. DAVID MARK COMMESURATING WITH PRESIDENT
GOODLUCK JONATHAN.

PHOTO8--NOLYWOOD STARS DURING THE SERVICE OF SONGS.
PHOTOS--STATE HOUSE

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Tuesday, December 4, 2012

PRESIDENT JONATHAN’S BROTHER TO BE BURIED ON SATURDAY

President Jonathan will leave Abuja for Bayelsa State on Thursday to participate in the burial ceremonies of his younger brother, Chief Meni Innocent Jonathan who passed away on the 20th of November, 2012.

Chief Jonathan is to be laid to rest on Saturday, December 8, 2012 at his hometown, Otuoke, in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

His remains will be conveyed from Abuja to Otuoke on Friday, December 7, 2012 and will be received by the Otuoke Council of Chiefs at the Otuoke Community Hall at 2.30pm on the same day.

There will be a Service of Songs for him at the Dame Patience Jonathan Square, Otuoke at 6pm that evening while a commendation service will be held at the St. Stephen's Anglican Church, Otuoke at 10 am on Saturday.

He will be interred after the commendation service.

 Reuben AbatiSpecial Adviser to the President(Media & Publicity)December 4, 2012 
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Saturday, December 1, 2012

PRESIDENT JONATHAN COMMISERATES WITH GENERAL BUHARI

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has commiserated with former Head of State, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.) on the death of his eldest daughter, Zulaihatu yesterday

In a condolence letter to General Buhari, President Jonathan prayed that God Almighty would comfort him, and grant him and members of his family succour from the pain of losing a beloved child who has been nurtured and raised to adulthood.

"I write to extend very sincere commiserations to you and your family on the death of your eldest daughter, Zulaihatu yesterday November 29th, 2012.

"I can well imagine the profound pain, sadness and sorrow brought upon you by the tragic loss of a beloved child whom you have nurtured and raised to adulthood.

My heart goes out to you as you mourn Zulaihatu. I pray that God Almighty comforts you and grants you and your family succour at this very traumatic time for all who knew and loved her," President Jonathan wrote.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 30, 2012

Friday, November 30, 2012

Palestinians celebrate UN endorsement of independent state

RAMALLAH, Palestine - Euphoric Palestinians erupted in cheers, set off fireworks and chanted "God is great" after the United Nations endorsed an independent state of Palestine, giving sweeping international backing to their demands for sovereignty over lands Israel occupied in 1967.

The historic General Assembly decision Thursday to accept "Palestine" as a non-member observer state won't actually grant independence to the 4.3 million Palestinians who live in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem.

Israel remains an occupying force in those first two territories and continues to severely restrict access to Gaza, ruled by the Hamas militant group. Nor does it plaster over the rift in the Palestinian leadership that has led to the emergence of duelling governments in the West Bank and Gaza.

But by gaining approval at a world forum overwhelmingly sympathetic to their quest, Palestinians hope to make it harder for Israel to resist global pressure to negotiate the borders of a future Palestine based on lines Israel held before capturing the West Bank, east Jerusalem and Gaza in 1967.

The massive international recognition of the Palestinians' right to a state — only nine of 193 General Assembly members voted against it — gave them hope that the tide had turned in their favour.

"It's a great feeling to have a state, even if in name only," said civil servant Mohammed Srour, 28, standing in a flag-waving a crowd of more than 2,000 packed into a square in the West Bank city of Ramallah late Thursday. "The most beautiful dream of any man is to have an independent state, particularly for us Palestinians who have lived under occupation for a long time."

But even though the resolution did not immediately change their lives, Palestinians say the recognition isn't just symbolic. They believe it will strengthen their hand in any future talks with Israel, which has attacked the Palestinian move as an attempt to bypass such negotiations.

The international community's warm embrace was meant, in part, to shore up the moderate Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, whose domestic standing had been hurt by his failure to deliver a state through negotiations during his eight years at the helm. European powers that Israel had hoped would oppose the statehood bid either supported it or abstained.

Hamas, once shunned internationally for its campaign of violence against Israel, has seen its isolation ease in recent months, as Islamists gain power across the region. An outpouring of support from the Arab world during an Israeli offensive against targets linked to militants earlier this month in Gaza gave them another bump.

After initially criticizing the UN bid as an empty gesture, Hamas has come around to supporting the popular move, with reservations.

Palestinians in the coastal strip also celebrated the vote, though on a smaller scale than after the massive eruption of joy in the streets after last week's cease-fire deal with Israel.

Some set off fireworks, others shot in the air and children in the streets cheered and flashed victory signs. "Today is a big joy for all of us," Abu Yazan, a 29-year-old Abbas supporter, said.

Izzat Rishaq, a senior Hamas figure in exile, said he welcomed the UN vote as an achievement, but that Hamas counts on "heroic resistance" to create a Palestinian state — underlining the group's deep ideological rift with Abbas who opposes violence.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the UN vote as meaningless and accused Abbas of delivering a "defamatory and venomous" UN speech "full of mendacious propaganda" against Israel. Netanyahu argued that the UN move violated past agreements between Israel and the Palestinians and that Israel would act accordingly, without elaborating what steps it might take.

The Palestinians turned to the UN after two decades of on-again, off-again talks undermined by violence and a failure of will. They reject Israel's claim that the recognition bid is an attempt to dictate the future borders of Palestine.

Instead, they say, it's a last-ditch attempt to rescue peace efforts threatened by Israeli settlement building on occupied land. Since 1967, half a million Israelis have settled on lands the UN says are part of Palestine.

Abbas aides say that with its vote, the UN is rebuffing Israeli attempts to portray these territories as "disputed," or up for grabs, rather than occupied.

Abbas aide Nabil Shaath said it will no longer be up to Israel to decide whether the Palestinians can have a state.

"The notion that Israel should approve the Palestinians' inalienable right to self-determination is simply illogical, immoral, and totally unacceptable," he wrote in an opinion piece in the Israeli daily Haaretz.

The endorsement of the pre-1967 line as the border of Palestine also poses a direct challenge to Netanyahu, who has refused to accept that demarcation as a basis for border talks with the Palestinians. Abbas and his aides have said the Israeli leader's rejection of such a framework for negotiations, accepted by his predecessors, helped push them to go to the UN

The Palestinians could also gain access to UN agencies and international bodies, most significantly the International Criminal Court, which could become a springboard for going after Israel for alleged war crimes or its ongoing settlement building on war-won land.

However, Abbas has signalled that he wants recognition to give him leverage in future talks with Israel, not as a tool for confronting or delegitimizing Israel, as Israeli leaders have alleged. He told the UN on Thursday that the Palestinians will "behave in a responsible and positive ways in our next steps."

Palestinian technical teams have studied the laws of all UN agencies and put together recommendations for Abbas, said a Palestinian official involved in the effort. He said Abbas told the experts there is no rush, and the next Palestinian moves would in part depend on international reaction, said the official who spoke on condition of anonymity to disclose internal deliberations.

Most immediately, the Palestinian Authority, which relies heavily on foreign aid and is struggling with the worst cash crisis in its 18-year history, could face further funding cuts over the UN bid.

In Washington, a bipartisan group of senators warned the Palestinians they could lose U.S. financial support of millions of dollars a year and risk the shutdown of their Washington office if they use their enhanced UN status against Israel

Israel could also suspend the monthly transfer of millions of dollars in tax rebates it collects on behalf of the Palestinians, a punitive step it has taken in the past.

In recent months, the Palestinian Authority has been struggling to cover its public sector payroll, paying salaries in instalments.

Mahmoud Khamis, a civil servant from the West Bank village of Deir Jareer, said he is willing to bear the negative consequences of UN recognition, including further disruptions in getting his salary. "It's good to have that state recognized, for the people of the world to hear our voice and know our cause," he said.
Source: AP

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

GENESIS OF CRISIS BETWEEN ASSOCIATION OF RESIDENT DOCTORS (ARD) AND MANAGEMENT OF FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, OWO.

ASSOCIATION OF RESIDENT DOCTORS,
FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, OWO.
GENESIS OF CRISIS BETWEEN ASSOCIATION OF RESIDENT DOCTORS (ARD) AND MANAGEMENT OF FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, OWO.
In 2009, after the Federal Government approved CONMESS for Doctors, the management tried to put an end to the rural allowance that has being enjoyed from the inception of the hospital in 1994. The agitations and unrest which followed forced the management to recommence the rural allowance. Unfortunately, in 2011, the salaries and wages commission also tried to stop the rural allowance but withdrew following a national strike in which the issue of teaching allowance was also focal. Our management however failed to recommence the said allowance on grounds of financial difficulties thereby inducing another industrial action during which our association was able to prove beyond all doubt that there was indeed more than sufficient money to pay the allowance and confirming the insincerity of the management. After being exposed, the management then agreed to the pay the rural allowance and its arrears and from then on embarked on victimization campaign with refusal to employ more doctors to replace those that are leaving the centre, in a bid to get back at us by ensuring we are overworked. This was extended openly to anyone remotely related to any member of the association. Even an issue as basic as allowing interesed medical officers with requisite qualifications to commence residency training is being used as an opportunity to victimize our colleagues.
A hospital which had no less than 205 doctors in 2009 presently has about 143 in the Medical Officer/Resident/House Officer cadre. Departments such as Surgery which had close to 20 doctors can only boast of 6 sidents. Pathology previously with six Medical officers now has two, Medicine had sixteen now has only seven amongst others. However, the personnel in the administrative department have been increasing in number (without any interview being conducted for any of them) at the expense of clinical departments. Recently in some departments, residents could not go for exams because they missed vital postings while serving in a posting of limited relevance to their training. It is worthy of note that FMC Ido Ekiti has 90 Specialist Consultant as against 41 in Owo, 120 house officers as against  42 in Owo and over 250 Residents/Medical Officers as against 104 in FMC Owo. When repeated appeals to the management to replace the doctors who have left kept falling on deaf ears, the association proceeded on a 3-day warning strike that was immediately suspended after 36hours on account of agreements reached with management on the 6th of August, 2012 to employ more doctors before the end of August 2012.
The Management however reneged on this agreement, thereby causing the association to proceed on an indefinite withdrawal of service at exactly 4pm on Thursday 8th Nov, 2012. The Management responded to this by harassing members of the association with policemen armed with assorted guns, sealed off the Doctors' lounge and terminated the appointment of eight house officers for partaking in the strike action giving them a 24hours quit notice from their quarters. A circular threatening to sac the Resident doctors/Medical officers was also released. The Management then moved on to falsely accuse two of our members and a consultant of pilfering hospital equipment. After it was clarified that the instruments in question does not belong to the hospital, the Management still went ahead to publish this false accusations in the national dailies.  
It is pertinent to note that the Medical Director has incessantly bragged about having the backing of the Presidency, Minister of Health permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health as well as upper and Lower legislative houses. In view of the above, it is quite clear that the safety of members of the association cannot be guaranteed under the leadership of the present Medical Director. We kindly thus request that you assist in assuring the safety of our members and bring lasting peace to FMC Owo.


DR. J.E AJUONU       Dr. M.E. Ugboya
President ARD, FMC,Owo       Assist.-Secretary, ARD, FMC, Owo

PRESIDENT JONATHAN PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR PEACE BETWEEN SUDAN AND SOUTH SUDAN

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan pledged Tuesday in Abuja that Nigeria will continue to work with other African Nations to ensure a peaceful resolution of all outstanding disputes between Sudan and South Sudan.
Speaking at an audience with the Vice President of Sudan, Dr. Adam Yousuf, President Jonathan said that Nigeria will work through the African Union's Peace and Security Council and the African Union's Authority of Heads of State and Government to achieve a resolution of the disagreement between Sudan and South Sudan over Abyei District that will be acceptable to both countries.
The President assured Dr. Yousuf who delivered a special message from President Omar El-Bashir to him that he will confer with other African leaders ahead of the next meeting of the AU Peace and Security Council on the Abyei dispute.
Welcoming the briefing given to him by Dr. Yousuf on Sudan's current position on efforts to resolve the dispute, President Jonathan said that Nigeria was committed to ensuring that all possible options for a peaceful and enduring resolution of the dispute are fully explored.
Dr. Yousuf assured President Jonathan of Sudan's readiness for continued dialogue towards the peaceful resolution of the dispute over Abyei.
He told the President that Sudan was already doing its best to implement the nine agreements signed with South Sudan in Addis Ababa last month on other issues arising from the separation of both countries.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 27, 2012


Saturday, November 24, 2012

PRESIDENT JONATHAN HAILS KOROMA’S RE-ELECTION, ASSURES SIERRA-LEONE OF NIGERIA’S CONTINUED SUPPORT

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and the Federal Government of Nigeria congratulate President Ernest Bai Koroma on his re-election and swearing-in yesterday for another five-year term at the helm of his country's affairs.

President Jonathan and Nigeria welcome President Koroma's victory with close to 60 per cent of the votes cast in the November 17 presidential elections which was keenly contested by eight other candidates as an affirmation of the trust and confidence the people of Sierra Leone have in his capable leadership.

The President urges all Sierra Leoneans to join hands with President Koroma in moving their country forward to an era of democratic consolidation, peace, political stability and rapid socio-economic development.

President Jonathan assures President Koroma and the brotherly people of Sierra Leone that they can continue to count on the support, assistance and solidarity of Nigeria as they go on with the urgent task of rebuilding their nation after years of avoidable conflict.

He wishes President Koroma a very successful second term in office and prays that God Almighty will grant him continued good health and divine guidance to lead his nation forward to a brighter future for all of its people.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 24, 2012

 

Friday, November 23, 2012

OFFICIAL DELEGATION TO REPRESENT PRESIDENT JONATHAN, NIGERIA AT ONAIYEKAN’S CONSECRATION AS CARDINAL

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is sending an official delegation headed by the President of the Senate, Senator David Mark to represent the Federal Government at the formal consecration of Archbishop John Onaiyekan as a Cardinal of the Catholic Church by Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican tomorrow.

Other members of the delegation are the Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe, the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, the Minister of State (FCT), Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide and the Chaplain of the Presidential Villa Chapel, Venerable Obioma Onwuzurumba.

It will be recalled that Archbishop Onaiyekan's elevation to the College of Cardinals was announced by the Vatican on October 24, this year.

President Jonathan has also mandated members of the delegation to stopover in Hanover, Germany on their way back to visit Governor Danbaba Suntai of Taraba State who is receiving treatment there for injuries sustained in a recent plane crash.

The delegation which is scheduled to leave Abuja today is due back on Sunday.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 23, 2012

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Photo: President Jonathan with President Zardari of Pakistan

PIC PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN (L) IN A HANDSHAKE WITH PRESIDENT ASIF ALI ZARDARI OF PAKISTAN DURING A BILATERAL MEETING IN ISLAMABAD ON WEDNESDAY (21/11/12).
 
STATE HOUSE PHOTO


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