PRESIDENT JONATHAN TO BROADCAST NEW YEAR MESSAGE TO THE NATION

PRESIDENT JONATHAN TO BROADCAST NEW YEAR MESSAGE TO THE NATION

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will deliver a new year's day broadcast to the nation at 07:00 hours tomorrow.

The broadcast will be transmitted on the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).

Other television and radio stations in the country are advised to link up with NTA and FRCN to relay the broadcast to their viewers and listeners.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
December 31, 2014

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE TO THE NATION FROM GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE TO THE NATION FROM GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR, PRESIDENT, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, DECEMBER 25, 2014
 
Dear Compatriots,
I greet and felicitate with you all once again as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
I join all of our Christian compatriots in giving thanks to God Almighty for the divine gift of Jesus Christ the Messiah whose earthly incarnation we commemorate today.
As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ who the Prophet Isaiah heralded as the Prince of Peace and Wonderful Counselor, I believe it is very appropriate that we all, Christians and non-Christians alike, reflect more deeply on the virtues and ideals which the Messiah espoused during his earthly mission.
To my mind, there can be no doubt that the greater internalization of the virtues of love for our fellowmen, tolerance, Godliness, honesty, fairness to others, selflessness, and peaceful co-existence with others, by all adult Nigerians, and the inculcation of the same in our youth,  will definitely help our dear nation to overcome most of its present challenges.
Peace and love for others, especially, were a constant refrain in the Messiah's teachings and admonitions to mankind.
Therefore, as we celebrate his birth, I urge all Nigerians to offer special prayers for a greater manifestation of divine peace in our country and the vanquishing of all demons of hatred, divisiveness and disunity in our midst.
As we celebrate Christmas, let us also remember and offer special prayers for all of our countrymen, women and children who have suffered and continue to suffer untold hardship, deprivation and death at the hands of terrorists and insurgents.
Let us also continue to pray for our gallant soldiers and security agents who remain at the forefront of the national effort to overcome terrorism and violent extremism, even as the rest of the nation celebrates Christmas and the coming New Year.
In this season of goodwill, I urge all patriotic Nigerians to rededicate themselves to doing all within their powers to support the brave men and women of our armed forces in the ongoing war against terrorism, and also support the Federal Government's efforts to provide more succour to the hapless victims of terrorist atrocities.
The Victims' Support Fund which we have established to raise additional funds to assist our compatriots who have been adversely affected by continuing insecurity in parts of our country remains active.
I call on all individuals and corporate organisations who have not yet done so, to donate more generously to the Fund which is being efficaciously deployed to ease the sufferings of victims of terrorist violence in the country.
Dear Compatriots, we are also celebrating this Christmas against the background of preparations for next year's general elections.
I seize this opportunity to reassure the nation that my administration will give the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) all necessary support to ensure that it delivers very free, fair, credible and acceptable elections in 2015.
National security agencies will also be given all necessary support to enhance their ability to ensure that the elections which should strengthen democracy in our country are peaceful and violence free.
I urge our political class to be law- abiding and place the greater interests of our nation above all personal or sectional interests in the countdown to the elections.
Let us all be more statesman-like, conduct issues-based campaigns, and eschew the promotion of falsehood, division and hatred of others as we seek the votes of our countrymen in what should be a peaceful competition among contending points of view for the progress and development of our dear nation.
I remain convinced that God Almighty is still  with us as a nation even in the midst of our current challenges which we shall surely overcome with greater unity of purpose, dedication, commitment and perseverance.
Let this year's celebration of the birth of Christ the Messiah rekindle, strengthen and reaffirm our faith in our national ability to overcome all challenges, with God on our side.
I wish you all very happy Christmas celebrations.
 
Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR
President,
Federal Republic of Nigeria

FG WILL CONTINUE TO ENCOURAGE BETTER TRADE RELATIONS BETWEEN NIGERIA AND OTHER DEVELOPING NATIONS – PRESIDENT JONATHAN

FG WILL CONTINUE TO ENCOURAGE BETTER TRADE RELATIONS BETWEEN NIGERIA AND OTHER DEVELOPING NATIONS – PRESIDENT JONATHAN

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan pledged Tuesday in Abuja that his administration will continue to actively encourage and support the development of more mutually-beneficial trade and economic relations between Nigeria and other developing nations.

Speaking at separate audiences with the new ambassadors of Cuba and Zimbabwe, President Jonathan said that in keeping with its commitment to privatization, trade liberalization and the full diversification of the Nigerian economy, the Federal Government will welcome greater economic ties with Cuba, Zimbabwe and other emerging  economies.

"Nigeria is a very vast economy. We are not just about oil. We have a very vibrant business community that has a global presence in both the service and non-service sectors.

"We will encourage these businesses to expand their interests into your economies,'' the President told Ambassador Carlos Eleterio Trejo Sosa of Cuba and Ambassador  Lovemore Mazemo of  Zimbabwe, who were at the Presidential Villa to present their letters of credence to him.

President Jonathan noted that with the full support and encouragement of his administration, Nigerian businesses were already operating successfully  in some African and European countries, and making commendable progress in the development of entrepreneurial skills, resource mobilization and global competitiveness.

He wished the new ambassadors successful tenures in Abuja and assured them of the full cooperation of the Federal Government as they work to enhance existing bilateral relations between Nigeria and their countries.

The new ambassadors thanked President Jonathan for receiving them and assured him that  they will work hard to boost trade and economic relations between their countries and Nigeria.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
December 23, 2014

FG WILL ACT EXPEDITOUSLY TO END UNHEALTHY RIVALRIES IN HEALTH SECTOR - PRESIDENT JONATHAN

FG WILL ACT EXPEDITOUSLY TO END UNHEALTHY RIVALRIES IN HEALTH SECTOR - PRESIDENT JONATHAN

President Goodluck Jonathan pledged Friday in Abuja that the Federal Government will act expeditiously on the report of the Presidential Committee of Experts on Inter-Professional Relationship in the Public Health Sector to end "unhealthy rivalries" among healthcare professionals.

Receiving the report of the committee, which was headed by former Head of Service, Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, President Jonathan said that the Federal Government will review the report immediately with a view to issuing a white paper on it and beginning the implementation of its accepted recommendations early next year.

"I had to set up the committee because I am very sad, and I know most Nigerians feel very sad that strikes and unhealthy rivalries among professionals in the health sector have adversely affected medical services,'' the President said.

President Jonathan said that he was optimistic that the implementation of the committee's accepted recommendations will help to end unhealthy rivalries and incessant strikes in the public health sector, which, he said, had unfortunately created an atmosphere of uncertainty in the sector, leaving many people with fewer options for quality medical services.

Alhaji Yayale told the President that the committee identified 50 areas of conflict after receiving memoranda and interacting with about 40 professional bodies in the Public Health Sector and members of the public.

He said that the areas of conflict were broadly categorized into organizational management, leadership and team work, remuneration and motivation, career management, capacity building, professional practice, labour, legal and governance issues. 

Alhaji Yayale said that the committee has made far-reaching recommendations to resolve conflicts in the sector.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
December 19, 2014.

FG WORKING HARD TO ACHIEVE IMPROVED SECURITY IN NORTH EAST AHEAD OF 2015 ELECTIONS – PRESIDENT JONATHAN

FG WORKING HARD TO ACHIEVE IMPROVED SECURITY  IN NORTH EAST AHEAD OF 2015 ELECTIONS – PRESIDENT JONATHAN

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan said Monday in Abuja that Nigeria's Armed Forces and security agencies will sustain and intensify ongoing operations against insurgents in the country's north-eastern states to achieve significantly improved security there ahead of the 2015 general elections.

Speaking at an audience with the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Uriel Palti, President Jonathan said that Nigeria will also continue to work with neighbouring countries for the effective implementation of the regional security arrangements which were recently concluded to enhance multilateral cooperation against extremism, terrorism, insurgency and other cross-border crimes.

The President told the Israeli Ambassador that the Federal Government was actively and progressively enhancing the ability of Nigeria's Armed Forces and security agencies to deal decisively with terrorists and insurgents.

President Jonathan added that the positive effects of steps taken by his administration in this regard will become increasingly apparent very soon.

The Israeli ambassador conveyed the condolences of the Israeli Prime Minister, Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu to President Jonathan and the people of Nigeria on the loss of lives in recent terrorist attacks.

He thanked President Jonathan for his recent visits to Israel.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
December 8, 2014

PRESIDENT JONATHAN CONDOLES FAMILY OF LATE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

PRESIDENT JONATHAN CONDOLES FAMILY OF LATE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has received with much sadness, news of the death of former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru, yesterday in South Africa.

President Jonathan extends sincerest condolences to Ambassador Ashiru's wife, children, other relatives, friends, associates, former colleagues and staff of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs as they mourn the exemplary diplomat who gave the most productive years of his adult life to the patriotic service of his nation.

The President assures them all of the fullest sympathy, solidarity and support of the Federal Government as they mourn Ambassador Ashiru who will also be long remembered and honoured as one of the very elite few, who after a long and very distinguished career as a Foreign Service Officer in the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was recalled from retirement to serve as Minister and political head of the same ministry in recognition of his widely acknowledged leadership qualities and diplomatic skills.

Nigeria, President Jonathan believes, will always owe the late Minister a huge debt of gratitude for his notable contributions, over many years, to the establishment of mutually-beneficial relationships with other countries where he served as diplomat and ambassador, and for the country's many diplomatic successes in the international arena during his tenure as Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The President prays that God Almighty will comfort all who mourn Ambassador Ashiru and grant his gentle soul peaceful and eternal rest.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 30, 2014

PRESIDENT JONATHAN CONDEMNS TERROR ATTACK ON KANO CENTRAL MOSQUE

PRESIDENT JONATHAN CONDEMNS TERROR ATTACK ON KANO CENTRAL MOSQUE

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan extends heartfelt condolences to the people and Government of Kano State over the heinous attack on the Central Mosque in Kano, earlier today.

He commiserates with all the families who lost their loved ones.  The President calls on relief agencies and medical personnel to deploy every possible effort to assist the injured, and the general public to heed the call for the donation of blood by the hospitals where the injured are being treated.

The President has further directed the security agencies to launch a full-scale investigation and to leave no stone unturned until all agents of terror undermining the right of every citizen to life and dignity, are tracked down and brought to justice.

The President reaffirms that terrorism in all its forms and manifestation is a despicable and unjustifiable threat to our society. He reiterates the determination of the government to continue to take every step to put an end to the reprehensible acts of all groups and persons involved in acts of terrorism.

President Jonathan calls on all Nigerians not to despair in this moment of great trial in our nation's history but to remain united to confront the common enemy.

The President is confident that no terrorist act against fellow citizens will destroy the Nigerian spirit to remain positive, resolute and united in the quest for lasting peace and security in the country.

He appeals to all Nigerians to remain vigilant and cooperate actively with our security agencies to win the on-going war against terror.

REUBEN ABATI
SPECIAL ADVISER TO THE PRESIDENT
(MEDIA & PUBLICITY)
NOVEMBER 28, 2014

 

Making new public procurement reforms work

Engr. Emeka Ezeh

DOING it right in the award of contracts or procurement inspired the first National Conference on Public Procurement early November in Abuja, where President Goodluck Jonathan directed that only contractors whose records were in the government’s database would be approved for business. Besides, those blacklisted by the World Bank, African Development Bank and other international bodies, are to be barred from public procurement. The presidential fiat will take effect from 2015; and the Bureau of Public Procurement has been ordered to see it through.

APOLOGISE FOR UNWARRANTED ATTEMPT TO CAUSE DISAFFECTION AGAINST PRESIDENT JONATHAN AMONGST MOSLEMS, PRESIDENCY TELLS MURIC

APOLOGISE FOR UNWARRANTED ATTEMPT TO CAUSE DISAFFECTION AGAINST PRESIDENT JONATHAN AMONGST MOSLEMS, PRESIDENCY TELLS MURIC

Our attention has been drawn to a press statement issued by the Muslims' Right Concern (MURIC) in which its Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola made a number of allegations against the President Goodluck Jonathan, including the mischievous and false claim  that there is a Jewish symbol in the new commemorative N100 note which will be officially issued on December 19.

President Jonathan is certainly not anti-Muslim as Prof Akintola alleges. As we have often said, the President knows very well that he was elected to office by a representative majority of all Nigerians and he continues to deal with all Nigerians fairly and equitably irrespective of their personal or group religious beliefs.

The allegation by MURIC that President Jonathan is using the highest office in the country to promote Zionism and the state of Israel is completely spurious and unfounded.

The symbol Prof. Akintola refers to in his statement is the Star of David which cannot be found anywhere on the widely publicized specimen of the new 100 Naira note.

The symbol that he erroneously claims is the Star of David or a Jewish symbol is actually   a  spark security feature which is an optical magnetic feature that enables the public to determine if a currency note is genuine or counterfeit.

The design of the spark security feature on the new N100 note  is not in any way associated with Israel or Zionism. It is two squares merged into one with a Manila briquet, which is a symbol of the cowrie money used during the colonial era.

The value of the new N100 note is written in the three major Nigerian languages - Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa. No attempt whatsoever has been made to use the N100 note to discriminate against any group of Nigerians.

The MURIC Director's claim that Muslims were marginalized in the recent National Conference is also untrue.

Contrary to Prof. Akintola's allegation, the National Conference organized by the Jonathan Administration has been widely praised and acknowledged  as one of the best of such conferences ever held in this country. It was a purposeful conference, a conference in which a lot of maturity was displayed and at which religion never became a big issue.

MURIC's  allegation that the security system in Aso Rock is saturated with Israeli security operatives is another  blatant lie. There are no Israeli security operatives  in Aso Rock. We invite Prof. Akintola to visit  the Presidential Villa and see for himself that there are no foreign security operatives on the premises and that the only security operatives in the Villa are Nigerians.

It is most unfortunate that such divisive falsehoods could have emanated from a supposedly knowledgeable man like Prof. Akintola and we demand an unreserved apology from him for the very unwarranted attempt to cause disaffection against President Jonathan amongst a major religious group in the country.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 25, 2014

PRESIDENT JONATHAN WISHES CHIEF (MRS.) AWOLOWO HAPPY 99TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

PRESIDENT JONATHAN WISHES CHIEF (MRS.) AWOLOWO HAPPY 99TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan heartily congratulates Chief (Mrs.) Hannah Dideolu Awolowo on the joyous occasion of her 99th birthday anniversary, tomorrow, Tuesday, November 25, 2014.

President Jonathan and his family join millions of admirers of the late nationalist, renowned political leader and sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo in wishing his "Jewel of Inestimable Value" very happy birthday celebrations.

The President prays that God Almighty will grant Chief (Mrs.) Awolowo many more years of worthy service as the matriarch and moral compass of the great Awolowo political dynasty which continues to play a commendable role in national development and progress.

President Jonathan looks forward to personally participating in the celebration of Chief (Mrs.) Awolowo's landmark 100th birthday next year to honour the highly-revered spouse of one of Nigeria's famous founding fathers.

He prays that God Almighty who has blessed Chief (Mrs.) Awolowo with remarkable longevity will grant her continued good health and very memorable birthday celebrations.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 24, 2014

NIGERIA, NEIGHBOURS MUST COOPERATE MORE TO WIN WAR AGAINST TERRORISM - PRESIDENT JONATHAN

NIGERIA, NEIGHBOURS  MUST COOPERATE MORE  TO WIN WAR AGAINST TERRORISM - PRESIDENT JONATHAN 

President Goodluck  Ebele  Jonathan, Monday in N'Djamena reiterated the need for Nigeria and her neighbours to intensify joint actions and cooperation  to win the war against  terrorism and insurgency. 

Speaking  to reporters at the Presidential Palace in N'Djamena  after a closed-door meeting with his Chadian counterpart,   President Idris Deby Itno, President Jonathan said that their talks focused mainly on security and economic cooperation.

The President told reporters that Boko Haram had a lot of external influence from outside Africa and it had become even more imperative for all countries in the region to work together to overcome terrorism and other criminal activities across their borders.

"If you look at the economies of Nigeria and Chad both are linked. The Boko haram people don't take permission to move from Chad, Niger, Cameroon and Nigeria.

"If the countries do not cooperate,   we will not find it easy to win the war, because when the heat is strong in one country, the criminals and terrorists will go to  another one and hide.

"So we must work together and we are discussing along that line,'' President Jonathan told reporters.

 President Jonathan recalled that his visit to Chad was the second in the last one month, noting that it underscored  the importance of building a "robust relationship" between both countries to improve trade, economic and security  ties. 

He said thatdiscussions between both countries on cooperation in the ICT sector were ongoing and expressed optimism that more proficient use of modern technology will help greatly to address economic and security challenges in the region. 

President Jonathan who was accompanied on the one-day official visit by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Aminu Wali and the Director-General the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Ayodele Oke has returned to Abuja.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 24, 2014

Supreme Court reinstates impeached Taraba deputy gov

The Supreme Court has ordered the immediate reinstatement of Deputy Governor of Taraba State, Alhaji Sanni Danladi, who was impeached by the state House of Assembly in October 2012.
In a unanimous judgment, the Supreme Court held that the impeachment panel set up by the House of Assembly to investigate the allegations against Danladi violated his rights to fair hearing.

The impeachment panel was said to have gone ahead with its proceedings without hearing Danladi and recommended his impeachment, while the panel snubbed his court papers which he served on it to challenge its composition.

PHOTOS: PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN ARRIVES LONDON, UK FOR HIIC

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN ARRIVES LONDON, UK FOR THE HONOURARY INTERNATIONAL INVESTOR COUNCIL (HIIC) MEETING ON 20/11/2014

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN BEING WELCOMED BY NIGERIANS DURING HIS ARRIVAL FOR THE HONOURARY INTERNATIONAL INVESTOR COUNCIL (HIIC) MEETING ON 20/11/2014

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN BEING WELCOMED BY NIGERIANS DURING HIS ARRIVAL FOR THE HONOURARY INTERNATIONAL INVESTOR COUNCIL (HIIC) MEETING ON 20/11/2014

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN BEING WELCOMED BY NIGERIANS DURING HIS ARRIVAL FOR THE HONOURARY INTERNATIONAL INVESTOR COUNCIL (HIIC) MEETING ON 20/11/2014

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN BEING WELCOMED BY NIGERIANS DURING HIS ARRIVAL FOR THE HONOURARY INTERNATIONAL INVESTOR COUNCIL (HIIC) MEETING ON 20/11/2014

Courtesy: State house Photo

President Jonathan swears in new CJN

Remarks by His Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR
On the
Occasion of the Swearing-in Ceremony of the Chief Justice of Nigeria
Thursday, 20th November 2014

PROTOCOL
Today marks another epoch making event in the annals of Nigeria's legal history with the formal Swearing-in of Honourable Justice Mahmud Mohammed as the Chief Justice of Nigeria. I congratulate his Lordship on this well-deserved appointment, which is a befitting recognition of your worthy contribution and commitment in the service of humanity and the nation.

PHOTOS: 57TH BIRTHDAY OF PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN (2ND R); FIRST LADY DAME PATIENCE JONATHAN (R) MOTHER OF THE PRESIDENT, MRS EUNICE JONATHAN (M) CHAPLAIN ASO VILLA CHAPEL, VEN. OBIOMA ONWUZURUMBA AND OTHERS AT THE 57TH BIRTHDAY OF THE PRESIDENT IN ABUJA ON THURSDAY (20/11/14).

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN  CUTTING HIS 57TH BIRTHDAY CAKE  AT THE PRESIDENTIAL VILLA IN ABUJA ON THURSDAY  (20/11/14). WITH HIM ARE: FIRST LADY, DAME PATIENCE JONATHAN (3RD R); MOTHER OF THE PRESIDENT, MRS EUNICE JONATHAN (3RD L); FORMER GOVERNOR OF ANAMBRA STATE, MR. PETER OBI AND OTHERS

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN AND THE FIRST LADY, DAME PATIENCE JONATHAN DURING COMMUNION PRAYER TO MARK THE 57TH BIRTHDAY OF THE PRESIDENT AT THE PRESIDENTIAL VILLA ABUJA ON THURSDAY (20/11/14)

57TH BIRTHDAY OF PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN BEING CONGRATULATED BY THE FIRST LADY, DAME PATIENCE JONATHAN AND HIS MOTHER MRS EUNICE JONATHAN DURING HIS 57TH BIRTHDAY IN ABUJA ON THURSDAY(20/11/14)

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN WITH MEMBERS OF THE STATE HOUSE PRESS CORPS DURING HIS 57TH BIRTHDAY IN ABUJA ON THURSDAY (20/11/14)

MOTHER OF THE PRESIDENT, MRS EUNICE JONATHAN; PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN AND THE FIRST LADY, DAME PATIENCE JONATHAN AT THE 57TH BIRTHDAY OF PRESIDENT JONATHAN AT THE PRESIDENTIAL VILLA IN ABUJA ON THURSDAY  (20/11/14).

PRESIDENT JONATHAN’S SECURITY AIDES GET AWARDS FOR DILIGENCE

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT JONATHAN'S SECURITY AIDES GET AWARDS FOR DILIGENCE

Two of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan's security aides have been conferred with awards for their exceptional commitment to the safety of the president, his family and the country.

The awards were conferred by Security Watch Africa, a Non-Governmental Organization, on the Chief Personal Security Officer to the President, Commissioner of Police, Moses Jitoboh and Commanding Officer of the Mobile Police Presidential Escort, Chief Superintendent of Police, Miller Dantawaye.

Security Watch Africa gave Jitoboh its award of the "Most Outstanding Security Operations Officer in Africa, 2014'' while Dantawaye was recognized as "Best Police Operations Officer in Nigeria, 2014''. Dantawaye's Mobile Police squadron was also awarded the ``Best Police Mobile Force Squadron in Nigeria, 2014.''

The organization said that it decided to confer the awards on the  two security officers after a careful monitoring of their selfless, patriotic and untiring efforts in providing effective security for the President of Nigeria.''

The two police officers will receive the awards at the 11th Africa Security Watch Awards, Lecture and Exhibition scheduled for November 25th – 27th, 2014, at the Al Ghurair Centre in Dubai, United Arab Emirate.
 
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
November 18, 2014

PRESIDENT JONATHAN CALLS FOR SPEEDY RESOLUTION OF MULTI-BILLION NAIRA INDUSTRIAL PARK DISPUTE

STATE HOUSE PRESS STATEMENT

PRESIDENT JONATHAN CALLS FOR SPEEDY RESOLUTION OF DISPUTE THAT FORCED POSTPONEMENT OF GROUND-BREAKING CEREMONY FOR MULTI-BILLION NAIRA INDUSTRIAL PARK

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has noted with regret the very unnecessary controversy and acrimony that has arisen over the postponement of the ground-breaking ceremony for the Gas Revolution Industrial Park at Ogidigben in the Warri South West Local Government Area.

President Jonathan is deeply saddened by the very unjust, uncharitable and unwarranted accusations of nepotism and partisanship that have been made against him in the wake of the postponement.

The President is particularly dismayed by the unseemly resort to the abusive denigration of his personal integrity and the whipping up of divisive ethnic sentiments by parties to the totally needless communal disagreement that resulted in the decision to reschedule the ground-breaking event.

It should be apparent to all Nigerians by now that while President Jonathan may be affiliated to the Ijaw ethnic group by birth, he knows fully well that he was elected President of all Nigerians and has always shown by word and deed that he will always uphold the oath he swore on assumption of office to protect and promote the interests of all citizens with justice, equity and fairness to all as his guiding principles.

The elders, community leaders and parties to the dispute over the location and ground-breaking event for the Gas Industrial Revolution Park who have resorted to threats and accusations of partisanship against the President in press conferences and paid adverts in newspapers are therefore being most unfair to him and doing a great disservice to continuing efforts to forge greater national unity and peaceful coexistence of all Nigerians.

We assure all concerned persons that as the leader of the nation, President Jonathan is not, and cannot be on the side of any party to the avoidable dispute over the location and ownership of the site of the Gas Revolution Industrial Park.

The project itself was conceived for the benefit of all Nigerians, not just Itsekiris, Ijaws, Urhobos or other ethnic groups in its immediate environment.

In terms of employment opportunities, it is projected that the Gas Industrial Revolution Park will ultimately create up to three million jobs for Nigerians in its catchment area and other parts of the country.

All the people of Delta State and Nigerians living in other parts of the country will also benefit greatly from the project by way of improved power supply and other ancillary products such as fertilizers, petrochemicals and more raw materials to boost local industrial production.

President Jonathan therefore urges all parties to the communal dispute over the location and ownership of the site of the Gas Industrial Revolution Park to cooperate fully with ongoing efforts by the Federal Government and the Delta State government to peacefully resolve all outstanding issues so that the project can proceed apace for the benefit of local communities, all Nigerians and investors.

For the avoidance of any doubt whatsoever, the postponement of the ground-breaking ceremony for the project earlier scheduled for last Friday was not in furtherance of any anti-Itsekiri agenda.

Rather, it was borne out of the clear need to give all concerned parties more time to achieve the communal peace, understanding and harmony that will greatly facilitate the project's speedy actualization for the benefit of Itsekiris, Ijaws, Urhobos, Ibos, Isokos and all other Nigerians.

In the greater interest of the nation, President Jonathan expects the respected elders and leaders of the concerned communities to heed the pleas of Federal and state government mediators and expeditiously resolve their differences for the good of all and the progress of the country.

He looks forward to coming to perform the ground-breaking ceremony for the Gas Industrial Revolution Park very soon in conditions of communal peace, unity and harmony.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 17, 2014

PRESIDENT JONATHAN APPLAUDS SUPER EAGLES’ REVIVAL OF NIGERIA’S HOPES OF NATIONS CUP QUALIFICATION

STATE  HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT JONATHAN APPLAUDS SUPER EAGLES' REVIVAL OF NIGERIA'S HOPES OF NATIONS CUP QUALIFICATION

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan congratulates the Super Eagles of Nigeria on their dogged and hard-fought victory over the Red Devils of Congo this evening in Pointe Noire which has revived Nigeria's hopes of qualifying for next year's African Nations Cup Finals.

President Jonathan applauds the Super Eagles' patriotic, determined and very courageous display in front of a very vociferous, aggressive and partisan home crowd which earned them an emphatic 2-0  victory  and placed Nigeria in a good position once again for qualification to defend the African Nations Cup which it currently holds at the next year's finals, now scheduled to hold in Equatorial Guinea.

On behalf of all soccer loving Nigerians, the President heartily commends the Super Eagles for their winning performance in Pointe-Noire which has wiped away the disappointment of their earlier outings in the Nations Cup qualifying series and rekindled the belief of Nigerians in their national soccer team's ability to bring further glory to the country.

President Jonathan joins other Nigerians in looking forward  to seeing the Super Eagles complete the task of qualifying to defend their title at the 2015 Nations Cup Finals with victory against South Africa in Uyo next week. 

He assures the Super Eagles and their handlers that they will have the fullest possible support of the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria for that final qualification match.

 
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 15, 2014

PHOTOS: NIPSS KURU JOS VISITS PRESIDENT JONATHAN

PRESIDENT GOOLUCK JONATHAN RECEIVING THE REPORT OF THE SENIOR EXECUTIVE COURSE 36 2014 OF THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR POLICY AND STRATEGIC STUDY, KURU, JOS FROM THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL, PROF TIJJANI MUHAMAD AT THE PRESIDENTIAL VILLA ABUJA ON THURSDAY (13/11/14)

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN IN A HANDSHAKE WITH THE MONITOR-GENERAL, SENIOR EXECUTIVE COURSE 36, OF  NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR POLICY AND STRATEGIC STUDY, KURU BRIG.-GEN ANLAINI CHINOKO AFTER THEIR MEETING WITH PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN IN ABUJA ON THURSDAY (13/11/14)

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN (M) VICE-PRESIDENT NAMADI SAMBO; DIRECTOR-GENERAL, NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR POLICY AND STRATEGIC STUDY, KURU,  PROF TIJJANI MUHAMAD AND MEMBERS OF SENIOR EXECUTIVE COURSE 36 2014 AFTER THEIR MEETING WITH PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN IN ABUJAON THURSDAY (13/11/14)

PRESIDENT JONATHAN COMMISERATES WITH GOVERNMENT AND PEOPLE OF YOBE STATE ON KILLING OF STUDENTS BY SUICIDE BOMBER

PRESIDENT JONATHAN COMMISERATES WITH GOVERNMENT AND PEOPLE OF YOBE STATE ON KILLING OF STUDENTS BY SUICIDE BOMBER

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan extends heartfelt commiserations to the Government and people of Yobe state on the death of many students in a bomb attack on Potiskum earlier today.

President Jonathan also conveys his deepest sympathies to all parents who lost their beloved children in the heinous attack on the Government Science Secondary School which appears to have been carried out by a suicide bomber.

The President condemns the dastardly murder of the students on their school's assembly ground as they prepared to begin another week of study in pursuit of a better life for themselves and their families.

He assures the grieving parents and people of Yobe state that no matter how long it takes, the Federal Government will ensure that all those responsible for the senseless murder of so many promising youngsters and the continuing acts of terrorism across the country are brought to justice and made to pay for their atrocious crimes.

The President similarly assures all Nigerians that in spite of seeming setbacks, his Administration remains fully committed to winning the war against insurgency and terrorism.

Nigeria, President Jonathan affirms, will ultimately overcome the current security challenges imposed by domestic terrorists and their foreign allies, with the dedication of its Armed Forces and national security agencies, as well as the continued support and cooperation of all patriotic citizens.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 10, 2014.

PRESIDENT JONATHAN TO ATTEND ECOWAS EMERGENCY SUMMIT ON EBOLA

PRESIDENT JONATHAN TO ATTEND ECOWAS EMERGENCY SUMMIT ON EBOLA
 
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will join other leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Accra tomorrow for an Emergency Summit on the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) which continues to ravage Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.
 
The emergency summit which will also be attended by representatives of the United Nations and the World Health Organisation will seek greater international support and collaboration for the containment of the Ebola outbreak.
 
President Jonathan who will be accompanied to the summit by the acting Minister of Health, Dr. Khaliru Alhassan and the Director of the National Centre for Disease Control, Dr. Abdulsalami Nasidi, is expected to avail the gathering of the benefit of Nigeria's successful containment of the deadly EVD after it entered the country in July this year through a traveller from Liberia.
 
The President will return to Abuja at the conclusion of the one-day summit.
 
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 5, 2014

PHOTOS: PRESIDENT JONATHAN ARRIVES OUAGADOUGOU, BURKINA FASO TO HELP FACILITATE THE RAPID RESOLUTION OF THE CURRENT POLITICAL CRISIS IN BURKINA FASO

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN (L) BEING RECEIVED BY BURKINA FASO INTERIM HEAD OF STATE,  LT.-COL. ISAAC ZIDA AT THE OUAGADOUGOU INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ON WEDNESDAY (5/11/14)

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN (L) WITH THE  BUKINA-FASO INTERIM HEAD OF STATE,  LT.-COL. ISAAC ZIDA  AT THE OUAGADOUGOU INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ON WEDNESDAY (5/11/14)

PRESIDENT MACKY SALL OF SENEGAL; PRESIDENT JOHN MAHAMA OF GHANA AND PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN OF NIGERIA DURING A MEETING ON THE CURRENT POLITICAL CRISIS IN BURKINA FASO ON WEDNESDAY(5/11/14)

PRESIDENT MACKY SALL OF SENEGAL; PRESIDENT JOHN MAHAMA OF GHANA AND PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN OF NIGERIA DURING A MEETING ON THE CURRENT POLITICAL CRISIS IN BURKINA FASO ON WEDNESDAY(5/11/14)

UK to Return Ex Delta Governor Ibori’s £6.8m of Loot to Nigeria

The UK government is to return  an additional 6.8 million pounds of the  confiscated loot of former Delta Governor, James Ibori, to Nigeria.

Rupert Broad, UK Metropolitan Police Senior Investigator, disclosed this in London on Tuesday at a meeting on “Supporting Policing in Nigeria: What Role for Police in the Nigerian Diaspora” held in the House of Commons.

While speaking  on UK and Nigeria’s anti-corruption partnership, Broad said “out of the eight million pounds confiscated from Ibori, 1.2 million pounds had so far been retuned to Nigeria, while the rest was waiting for redistribution as to when it would be sent back to Nigeria.”

He also said that an additional 80 million pounds had been temporarily confiscated from Ibori and his associates, including Patrice Gohil, one of his lawyers.

“Approximately, 80 million pounds is temporarily frozen and a confiscation hearing has been fixed for April 2015, where the judge will determine how much was stolen, after which it would be returned to Nigeria.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the British Southcrown  Court in April 2012  sentenced  Ibori  to 13 years jail term for fraud and money laundering.

Broad, who attributed the success of the Ibori case to partnership with the nation’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC), said “the case signified Nigeria’s commitment to the fight corruption.

“In light of the Ibori case, Nigeria has done a fantastic job in tackling corruption.

“Corruption does not go away easily,  addressing it requires continuous process and the UK Metropolitan Police  will continue to collaborate with Nigerian authorities on cross border international investigation.”

Similarly, Nsikan Etuk, the Director of the UK Nigeria Police Forum, said that the diaspora was a powerful tool for the reformation of the nation’s police force.

Etuk, who spoke on “Supporting Policing in Nigeria”, expressed the commitment of the Forum in collaborating with government in tackling challenges impeding efficiency in policing in the country.

He said that the Forum, whose membership included serving and retired police personnel, was established following challenges facing  the Nigerian community in the UK.

In the same vein, Kunle  Bamgbose, the Nigerian Deputy High Commissioner to the UK, said the nation’s police officers were among the brightest in Africa, adding that they were only impeded  by operational challenges.

He said “inadequate equipment such as communication gadgets, the lack of efficient forensic laboratories  and other logistic problems are some of the challenges facing the police force.”

Bamgbose, however, said “it is difficult to impose UK policing culture in Nigeria because the environments are different.”

According to him, partnership in training and capacity building of officers will be an ideal area of collaboration.

The meeting, which had participants from the Nigerian community, was chaired by Meg Hillier, the Chair of the UK All Party Parliamentary Group on Nigeria.

Source: NAN

PRESIDENT JONATHAN, OTHER ECOWAS LEADERS HEAD TO OUAGADOUGOU FOR CRISIS TALKS

PRESIDENT JONATHAN, OTHER ECOWAS LEADERS HEAD TO OUAGADOUGOU FOR CRISIS TALKS

President Goodluck Jonathan will travel to Ouagadougou tomorrow as a member of the three-man delegation of Heads of State and Government raised by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to facilitate the rapid resolution of the current political crisis in Burkina Faso.

Other members of the delegation of ECOWAS leaders are President Macky Sall of Senegal and President John Mahama of Ghana who is the current Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

During their one-day visit to Ouagadougou, President Jonathan and his Ghanaian and Senegalese counterparts are expected to meet with Burkina Faso's interim Head of State, Lt.-Col. Isaac Zida, opposition leaders, members of civil society and other political stakeholders in the country.

Recent political turmoil in Burkina Faso led to the resignation of former President Blaise Compaore and the assumption of power by Lt.-Col. Zida

The African Union's democratic charter requires its 54 member-states to act against the forceful overthrow of elected governments on the continent.

The Union has given the Burkina Faso military an ultimatum to transfer power back to a civilian administration within two weeks or face sanctions.

President Jonathan will be accompanied to Ouagadougou by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Nurudeen Mohammed and some of his principal aides and advisers.
 
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 4, 2014

PRESIDENT JONATHAN TO COLLECT PDP NOMINATION FORM FOR 2015 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS TOMORROW

PRESIDENT JONATHAN TO COLLECT PDP NOMINATION FORM FOR 2015 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS TOMORROW, THANKS ALL NIGERIANS WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED FUNDS TO PAY FOR FORM

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will tomorrow, Thursday, October 30 pick up the PDP nomination form for the 2015 Presidential elections.

President Jonathan thanks all Nigerians, members of the PDP, friends, associates, and all groups who in sincere appreciation of the achievements of the administration in the last four years, have been urging him to seek a second term in office.

President Jonathan is greatly encouraged by the overwhelming outpouring of goodwill and support, as well as the  confidence of the generality of Nigerians in his ability to continue to transform the country for the good of all of its  people.

The President is also grateful to all the persons, groups and communities who have sent donations, and made pledges to assist him to pay the required N22 million for the PDP Presidential Nomination Fee and Expression of Interest Form.

He acknowledges, and accepts with immense gratitude, the following donations and pledges that he has received from a broad section of Nigerians:

PRESIDENT JONATHAN CONDOLES ZAMBIANS ON DEATH OF PRESIDENT SATA

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT JONATHAN CONDOLES ZAMBIANS ON DEATH OF PRESIDENT SATA

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has received with sadness, news of the passing away of President Michael Sata of Zambia in a London Hospital yesterday.

On behalf of the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria, President Jonathan extends sincere condolences to the government and people of Zambia on the death of President Sata who has led his country since 2011.

President Jonathan's deepest sympathies are with the people of Zambia and President Sata's family as they mourn their leader, patriarch, nationalist and patriot who will always be remembered for his uncompromising stand against neo-colonialism and any semblance of renewed imperialism in Zambia and Africa as a whole.

As they mourn President Sata and prepare to lay him to rest, President Jonathan urges the brotherly people of Zambia to commit themselves fully to a peaceful and orderly succession in keeping with the principles of democracy and the country's constitution.

He prays that God Almighty will comfort the people of Zambia and grant them a worthy successor to President Sata who will keep the country on an even keel and ensure that it continues to make steady progress for the benefit of its people. 

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 29, 2014

PRESIDENT JONATHAN APPROVES APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR FOR NNPC

PRESIDENT JONATHAN APPROVES APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR FOR NNPC

In furtherance of ongoing efforts to transform the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) into a commercially-driven entity, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has approved the creation of a new office of Deputy Group Managing Director of the corporation.

President Jonathan has also approved the appointment of Mr. Bernard O.N. Otti, the NNPC's current Group Executive Director (Finance and Accounts) as the new Deputy Group Managing Director/Group Executive Director (Finance and Accounts) of the corporation.

Mr Otti hails from Anambra State. He has held senior positions in some of the largest financial institutions in Nigeria and internationally, and has also served on the boards of numerous public and private institutions.

The new office of Deputy Group Managing Director is expected to strengthen the corporate governance structure of the NNPC and help ensure that value for money and return on investment increasingly become key factors in all operational decisions.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 28, 2014

DISCRIMINATORY ACTIONS AGAINST NIGERIANS OVER EBOLA MUST STOP – PRESIDENT JONATHAN

DISCRIMINATORY ACTIONS AGAINST NIGERIANS OVER EBOLA MUST STOP – PRESIDENT JONATHAN

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan said Monday in Abuja that he expects and hopes that Nigerians will no longer suffer discriminatory checks and stigmatization abroad now that the World Health Organisation has certified that the country is Ebola-free.

Speaking at an audience with the Foreign Ministers of Germany and France who called on him at the Presidential Villa, President Jonathan restated the Federal Government's displeasure over  the stigmatization of Nigerians by some countries after the Ebola virus entered Nigeria in July through a Liberian traveller.

The President maintained that there was never any justifiable basis for the stigmatization of Nigerians since Ebola was rapidly contained in the country and never attained epidemic levels.

He told the French Foreign Minister, Mr. Laurent Fabius and the German Foreign Minister, Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier that  Nigeria will remain fully vigilant to prevent the re-entry of the virus because the  Federal Government recognizes that the country will remain at risk as long as Ebola is active in other West African countries or any other part of the world.

Nigeria, President Jonathan assured the visiting Ministers,   will therefore cooperate fully with other concerned nations to stop the current outbreak of Ebola in West Africa as quickly as possible.

The Ministers told the President that they were in Nigeria to seek further cooperation with the Federal Government in the growing global effort to contain the current outbreak and continuing spread of the Ebola Virus Disease.

They praised Nigeria's successful containment of the virus and expressed the desire of France, Germany and the European Union to collaborate more with Nigeria in helping other West African countries where the virus still remains active.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 27, 2014

PRESIDENT JONATHAN CONGRATULATES PRESIDENT DILMA ROUSSEFF OF BRAZIL ON HER RE-ELECTION

PRESIDENT JONATHAN CONGRATULATES PRESIDENT DILMA ROUSSEFF OF BRAZIL ON HER RE-ELECTION
 
On behalf of the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan congratulates President  Dilma Rousseff of Brazil on her victory in yesterday's final round of her country's presidential elections.
President Jonathan received the news of President Rousseff's re-election with great delight in view of the excellent relations and strategic partnership forged between Nigeria and Brazil during her first term in office.
As President Rousseff prepares to begin a new term of office on January 1, 2015, Nigeria looks forward to working with her government to expand and further enhance existing relation with Brazil, especially in the area of trade and economic relations, for the mutual benefit of the people of both countries.

President Jonathan also applauds President Rousseff's expressed commitment to working for greater peace, national unity and more reforms in Brazil during her second term.

He congratulates the people of Brazil for their unwavering commitment to democracy and its processes which has produced a peaceful and acceptable  outcome in the very keenly contested elections.
 
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 27, 2014

STOP POLITICAL RASCALITY AND BLACKMAIL -PRESIDENCY WARNS AMAECHI

STOP POLITICAL RASCALITY AND BLACKMAIL -PRESIDENCY WARNS AMAECHI

Governor Rotimi Amaechi took his obnoxious willingness to denigrate the highest office in the land in a reckless bid to advance his selfish political interests to a new level of irresponsible and rascally behaviour yesterday in Port Harcourt with his totally false and baseless vituperations against President Jonathan, the First Lady and the Federal Government.

It appears from the Governor's completely unfounded and off-the-mark allegations that he had totally lost all sense of propriety, decorum and responsible political behaviour and resorted to unacceptable demagoguery, libel, blackmail and incitement of public disorder.

Unless his unbridled ambition and desire for self- promotion have completely befuddled his mental faculties and caused him to totally lose touch with reality, Governor Amaechi must know that his claims and allegations are untrue.

We can only assume therefore that he is deliberately spewing malicious falsehood in a desperate effort to incite the people of Rivers State and Nigeria against his assumed political foes.

We warn him that there are legal, constitutional and moral limits to political rascality beyond which he will not be allowed to go without repercussions.

The immunity which he currently enjoys notwithstanding, Governor Amaechi should be under no illusions:  A day of reckoning will surely come when he will answer for all his actions and false allegations against President Jonathan, the First Lady and the Federal Government.

He should also know that Nigerians are aware of the truth and will never be fooled or swayed by his arrant opportunism and anti-Jonathan rantings.

Nigerians know that while Mr. Amaechi falsely accuses others of corruption, he cannot show or explain to the people of Rivers State what he has done with the billions of Naira that has accrued to the state under his tenure.

They also know that while Amaechi continues to falsely accuse the Jonathan Administration of having done nothing for Rivers State, he has recklessly squandered huge state resources on dubious, vain-glorious projects or self aggrandizement.

Nigerians will know too that while he falsely alleges that Rivers and other states have not received funds due to them from the Federation account, the only outstanding allocation was for September, which was released to all states well over a week ago.

The Governor should stop trying to make President Jonathan the scapegoat for his woeful performance in Rivers State and look to his own very apparent failings and incompetencies.

He should also stop blackmailing the First Lady who has demanded nothing from him other than good governance, justice, equity, fairness, real development and progress in Rivers State.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 26, 2014

PRESIDENT JONATHAN WELCOMES W.H.O. DECLARATION THAT NIGERIA IS EBOLA-FREE, ORDERS CONTINUED VIGILANCE AT BORDERS

PRESIDENT JONATHAN WELCOMES W.H.O. DECLARATION THAT NIGERIA IS EBOLA-FREE, ORDERS CONTINUED VIGILANCE AT BORDERS

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan welcomes today's declaration by the World Health Organisation (WHO) that Nigeria is now officially Ebola-free after 42 days without any incidence of the Ebola Virus Disease.

President Jonathan dedicates the certification to the many patriotic health workers, volunteers and ordinary Nigerians who worked tirelessly, some of them paying the ultimate price, to stop the deadly virus in its track after it entered the country in July this year.

The President seizes this opportunity to also reiterate his appreciation of the contributions of state governments, WHO and other international health organisations, relatives of infected persons and other Nigerians who either courageously underwent the rigours of being quarantined or complied with all directives issued by health authorities to defeat the virus.

He believes that Nigeria's globally-acclaimed success against Ebola is a testimony to what Nigerians can achieve if they set aside their differences and work together, and calls on Nigerians to strive to replicate the unity of purpose and all-hands-on-deck approach adopted against Ebola in other areas of national life.

As the nation applauds the success of its collective effort to stop the transmission of the Ebola Virus within Nigeria however, the President warns that the entire country must remain fully alert and vigilant against the re-entry of the virus.

President Jonathan fully shares the view expressed by WHO in its congratulatory message to Nigeria that while we have won a battle against Ebola, the war will only truly end when West Africa, Africa and the world are declared free of Ebola.

The President consequently directs that all the anti-Ebola measures taken after the entry of the virus into the country should remain in place and that health officials should continue to actively screen persons entering the country through its air, land and sea borders for any sign of the virus.

He also urges all Nigerians to continue to follow the anti-Ebola  advisories on sanitation and personal hygiene issued by Federal and State Health authorities.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 20, 2014

Presidential Initiative on National Schools Agriculture Programme

Good morning:
President Goodluck Jonathan will preside over the flag-off of the Presidential Initiative on National Schools Agriculture Programme.

When: 
Monday, October 20, 2014 (Today), 11 am prompt

Where:
State House Conference Centre (Banquet Hall)

Who:
Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina and Dr. Baraka Sani, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Presidential Initiative on National Schools Agriculture Programme, will be speaking at the event.  

Best wishes

Oche Egwa

Media Office

PRESIDENT JONATHAN CONDOLES CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA ON DEATH OF APOSTLE NUMBERE

PRESIDENT JONATHAN CONDOLES CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA ON DEATH OF APOSTLE NUMBERE

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has received with sadness, news of the death of the Founder and General Overseer of Greater Evangelism World Crusade Ministries International, Apostle Geoffrey Dabibi Numbere.

On behalf of his family and the Federal Government of Nigeria, President Jonathan extends heartfelt condolences to Apostle Numbere's wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Nonyem Numbere, as well as his children, relatives and members of the Greater Evangelism World Crusade Church.

The President also commiserates with the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria and the people of Rivers State on the loss of Apostle Numbere.

President Jonathan joins them in mourning the revered spiritual leader and former Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the South-South Zone whose enormous impact on the moral and social development of millions of Nigerians and non-Nigerians will be greatly missed.

He prays that Almighty God will receive Apostle Numbere's soul and grant him eternal rest from his diligent labour in the Lord's Vineyard.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 19, 2014

FG, Boko Haram agree ceasefire -CDS

Islamist militant group Boko Haram and the Federal Government have agreed to a ceasefire.

Chief of Defense Staff Alex Badeh issued an order Friday, telling all service chiefs “to comply with the ceasefire agreement between Nigeria and Boko Haram in all theaters of operations.”

The text went out after Danladi Ahmadu, who calls himself the secretary-general of Boko Haram, told VOA that a cease-fire agreement had been reached.

CONDUCT YOUR PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN WITH GREATER REGARD FOR THE TRUTH – PRESIDENT JONATHAN TELLS BUHARI

CONDUCT YOUR PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN WITH GREATER REGARD FOR THE TRUTH – PRESIDENT JONATHAN TELLS BUHARI

We have noted with disappointment and regret, the reckless, baseless and unsupportable charges made against the Jonathan Administration yesterday by a supposed elder statesman, General Muhammadu Buhari.

We wholly reject the allegations made by General Buhari against the Jonathan Administration at yesterday's declaration of his intention to contest the 2015 presidential elections as an irresponsible denigration of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan's sincere efforts, over the past four years, to positively transform Nigeria.

It reflects very badly on the character of the political opposition we now have in Nigeria, that a political leader of General Buhari's stature will deliberately make such false and uncharitable comments about the elected leadership of his country, merely for personal and sectional political gain.

The falsity of General Buhari's anti-Jonathan and anti-PDP claims will be obvious to knowledgeable Nigerians and friends of the country, but for the benefit of others we will like to affirm that there is absolutely no truth whatsoever in his charge that "the last 16 years of PDP Government has witnessed a decline in all critical sectors of life in Nigeria" or that "the economy continues to deteriorate".

Statistics and rankings from the National Bureau of Statistics, the Central Bank of Nigeria, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and other international economic agencies give the lie to General Buhari's claims on the state of the Nigerian economy.

As is well known, available figures, statistics and ratings show that the Nigerian economy has consistently maintained an unprecedented growth rate of 6-7% under the Jonathan administration. They also show that the Nigerian economy is now the leading economy in Africa and the 26th largest in the world with a gross domestic product of over $500 billion per annum.

Also contrary to General Buhari's assertion yesterday, Nigeria's agricultural sector is thriving under the reforms being implemented by the Jonathan administration as current production figures show and neither manufacturing nor commerce is "down" as the APC presidential aspirant alleged.

His most uncharitable and inexcusable accusation against the present administration was that election rigging continues to thrive in Nigeria.

We trust that all patriotic, objective and non-partisan Nigerians will reject that allegation knowing it to be invalid and they will have the evidence of the progressively freer, fairer and ever more credible elections conducted under the Jonathan administration to support their position.

Despite the other false accusations General Buhari made against the President who he clearly fears to take on in an honest, issues-driven presidential election contest, President Jonathan will continue to carry forward his transformation agenda in the power sector and other areas.

The President will not be discouraged or deterred from his objective of repositioning Nigeria for accelerated and inclusive socio-economic development by the partisan and jaundiced views of power seekers like General Buhari who cannot see the obvious results of the current administration's efforts through their blinkered eyes.

We also draw the attention of Nigerians to the total lack of originality in the hackneyed manifesto offered to Nigerians yesterday by the APC Presidential aspirant.

All that General Buhari promises to do are already being done by the Jonathan Administration to the acclaim of ordinary Nigerians and there is no evidence before Nigerians that the APC leader and his acolytes can do them better.

The retired General is free to renege on his well-publicized pledge not to seek elective office as he has done, but we urge him to conduct his presidential campaign with greater regard for the truth.

We also urge him to eschew unbecoming false accusations against others like a true elder statesman and to focus his campaign on more original ideas for the promotion of peace, stability, unity and progress in our beloved nation.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 16, 2014

PRESIDENT JONATHAN FELICITATES WITH ALAAFIN ON HIS 76TH BIRTHDAY

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
 
PRESIDENT JONATHAN FELICITATES WITH ALAAFIN ON HIS 76TH BIRTHDAY
 
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has expressed his appreciation of the continued support of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III for the Federal Government's efforts to accelerate the pace of socio-economic development in Nigeria.
 
Writing to felicitate with the Alaafin on the occasion of his 76th birthday anniversary tomorrow, Wednesday, October 15, 2014, President Jonathan also applauded the monarch's laudable contributions to peace, harmony and progress in Oyo State and Nigeria.  
 
"On behalf of my family, the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I write to convey warm felicitations to Your Highness on the occasion of your 76th birthday anniversary.
 
"You have not only continued to use your exalted throne to promote peace, harmony and progress in your kingdom and Oyo State, you have also continued to provide unwavering support for our Administration in our determined quest to reposition our dear nation for enduring stability and sustained growth and development. For this, I thank Your Highness," President Jonathan wrote.
 
Wishing Oba Adeyemi very happy birthday celebrations, President Jonathan prayed that Almighty God will continue to bless the Alaafin with good health and grant him many more years of worthy service to Oyo State and Nigeria.
 
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 14, 2014

PRESIDENT JONATHAN FELICITATES WITH ALAAFIN ON HIS 76TH BIRTHDAY

PRESIDENT JONATHAN FELICITATES WITH ALAAFIN ON HIS 76TH BIRTHDAY
 
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has expressed his appreciation of the continued support of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III for the Federal Government's efforts to accelerate the pace of socio-economic development in Nigeria.
 
Writing to felicitate with the Alaafin on the occasion of his 76th birthday anniversary tomorrow, Wednesday, October 15, 2014, President Jonathan also applauded the monarch's laudable contributions to peace, harmony and progress in Oyo State and Nigeria.  
 
"On behalf of my family, the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I write to convey warm felicitations to Your Highness on the occasion of your 76th birthday anniversary.
 
"You have not only continued to use your exalted throne to promote peace, harmony and progress in your kingdom and Oyo State, you have also continued to provide unwavering support for our Administration in our determined quest to reposition our dear nation for enduring stability and sustained growth and development. For this, I thank Your Highness," President Jonathan wrote.
 
Wishing Oba Adeyemi very happy birthday celebrations, President Jonathan prayed that Almighty God will continue to bless the Alaafin with good health and grant him many more years of worthy service to Oyo State and Nigeria.
 
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 14, 2014

PRESIDENT JONATHAN COMMISERATES WITH CHIEF ALAMIEYESEIGHA ON SON’S DEATH

PRESIDENT JONATHAN COMMISERATES WITH CHIEF ALAMIEYESEIGHA ON SON'S DEATH

President Goodluck Jonathan has received with shock and immense sadness news of the death of Mr. Oyamuyefa Alamieyeseigha in Dubai at the weekend.

On behalf of his family and the Federal Government, President Jonathan extends heartfelt condolences to Oyamuyefa's father, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha and his entire family on the untimely loss of a very dear son in the prime of his life.

The President and the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan share their pain and grief over the death of Oyamuyefa in circumstances that are still unclear.

President Jonathan assures Chief Alamieyeseigha and his family of the full support of the Federal Government as they strive to unravel the true circumstances of the young man's death.

He prays that God Almighty will receive Oyamuyefa's soul and comfort his grieving parents and siblings.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 13, 2014

PRESIDENT JONATHAN WELCOMES GREATER SUPPORT FOR WAR AGAINST TERRORISM FROM NIGERIA’S NEIGHBOURS

PRESIDENT JONATHAN WELCOMES GREATER SUPPORT FOR WAR AGAINST TERRORISM FROM NIGERIA'S NEIGHBOURS

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Friday in Abuja welcomed the greater support for the war against terrorism from Nigeria's neighbours.

Speaking at an audience with Mr. Emmanuel Issoze Ngondet, a Special Envoy of President Ali Bongo Ondimba of Gabon, President Jonathan also applauded the renewed and heightened commitment of Niger, Chad, Benin Republic and Cameroon to joining forces with Nigeria to rid the West African Sub-Region of the scourge of terrorism and violent extremism.

Reiterating his view that terrorist attacks on one country must be seen as an affront to all civilized nations,  the President called for an even stronger and more effective regional, continental and global alliance against terrorism and its perpetrators.

"Boko Haram and similar terrorist groups kill people indiscriminately hiding under religious beliefs that are not found in any of the Holy Books. They do not represent any civilized and rational people. Civilized and  rational people of the world  who are in the clear majority must therefore join forces to confront  and defeat them," President Jonathan said.

The President thanked President Ondimba for Gabon's pledge to support Nigeria's fight against insurgency. He assured him of Nigeria's total commitment to prosecuting the war against terrorism to a successful conclusion.

Mr. Ngondet, who is  Gabon's Minister of Foreign Affairs, said that Gabon welcomed the decision to form a multinational force that will confront terrorism.

He said that Gabon shared Nigeria's position that Boko Haram's activities have no basis in religion and assured President Jonathan of the support of his country and others in the Central African sub-region in fighting terrorism.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 10, 2014

US website removes Jonathan from Africa’s richest list

The US-based website, Richest Lifestyle, which listed President Goodluck Jonathan as Africa’s sixth richest president has retracted the publication.

Richest Lifestyle had ranked Jonathan alongside King Mswati III of Swaziland, stating that both African leaders were worth $100m (N16.5 bn) in the publication titled “Africa’s Richest Presidents 2014.”
Following the publication, the President had threatened to institute a legal action against the publishers of the online magazine, stating that the ranking lacked “factual basis.”

“The Presidency condemns the totally unwarranted inclusion of President Jonathan in the publication titled “Africa’s Richest Presidents 2014” as another attempt to unjustifiably portray the President as a corrupt leader and incite public disaffection against him.

PRESIDENT JONATHAN SAYS HIS INCLUSION IN LIST OF RICHEST AFRICAN PRESIDENTS IS BASELESS

PRESIDENT JONATHAN SAYS  HIS INCLUSION IN LIST OF RICHEST AFRICAN PRESIDENTS IS BASELESS AND LIBELOUS, DEMANDS RETRACTION AND APOLOGY

We have noted with consternation the listing of President  Goodluck Ebele Jonathan by a website – RichestLifestyle.com - as the sixth richest African President with an estimated net worth of $100 Million U.S. Dollars.

The Presidency condemns the totally unwarranted inclusion of President Jonathan in the publication titled "Africa's Richest Presidents 2014" as another attempt to unjustifiably portray the President as a corrupt leader and incite public disaffection against him.

We categorically assert that there is no factual basis for ranking President Jonathan as the sixth richest African Head of State with a net worth of about $100 Million U.S. Dollars.  

As is well known, President Jonathan has never been a businessman or entrepreneur, but a life-long public servant. The President has held public office since 1999 and has regularly declared his assets as required by Nigerian laws. He has had no personal income since 1999 other than his official remuneration as deputy governor, governor, vice president, acting president and president which are matters of public record.

There has been no significant variation in the totality of his personal assets as contained in his last declaration to the Nigerian Code of Conduct Bureau in 2011 which, as can be verified, was a very, very far cry from the $100 million figure now being bandied about by Richest Lifestyle.com and other irresponsible, copy-cat publications.

The   clear and unacceptable imputation of the claim that President Jonathan is now worth about $100 Million is that the President has corruptly enriched himself while in office which is certainly not the case.

We therefore demand a retraction and an unreserved apology from Richest Lifestyle.com and all those who have reproduced the offensive article.

Otherwise, they should be prepared to substantiate their libelous claims against the President in courts of law within and outside Nigeria. 

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 8, 2014

FG directs Adamawa CJ to inaugurate Ngilari

The Federal Government on Wednesday directed the Chief Judge of Adamawa State to immediately swear in Mr. James Ngilari as the state governor in obedience to a judgement of the Federal High Court Abuja.

The court, in a judgement delivered by Justice Adeniyi Ademola, had nullified the swearing in of Ahmadu Fintiri as the state Acting Governor while declaring the resignation of Ngilari as unconstitutional, null and void.

The Federal Government’s directive on Ngilari’s inauguration was contained in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Adedeji Ajibade, made available to State House correspondents.

It said the inauguration became necessary in order to avoid a vacuum in governance in the state.

The government also directed the National Independent Electoral Commission to put on hold Saturday’s planned bye-election  in obedience to the judgement.

The statement reads, “The attention of the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice has been drawn to the judgment of the Federal High Court Abuja, delivered by Hon. Justice Adeniyi Ademola on 8th October 2014.

“The Federal High Court by its judgement under reference nullified the swearing in of Ahmadu Umar Fintiri as the Acting Governor of Adamawa State and declared the resignation of James Bala Ngilari as unconstitutional, null and void.

“In obedience to the judgement of the court and the need to avert a vacuum in ‎governance and possible constitutional crises, the Honourable, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke, hereby calls on the Chief Judge of Adamawa State to immediately swear in Barrister James Bala Ngilari as the Governor of Adamawa State.

“The Chairman, National Independent Electoral Commission is also called upon in obedience to the judgement of the Federal High Court to keep in abeyance all the arrangements made for the conduct of the bye-elections scheduled to take place in Adamawa State on Saturday 11th October 2014.”

Meanwhile, the grand finale of Fintiri’s governorship campaign rally earlier fixed for Thursday will no longer hold as a result of the development.

Before the development, Fintiri, who is the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the cancelled bye-election had concluded plans to hold a rally in Yola.

Some of the dignitaries who were to attend the rally were already in the state capital.

Source: The Punch

Adamawa: Court orders swearing in of Ngilari as gov

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered that the former Deputy Governor of Adamawa State, Mr. Bala Ngilari, be sworn in as the governor of the state.

The court ruled that the purported resignation of Ngilari on July 14, 2014 was invalid, null and void as it breached the provisions of sections 306(1), (2) and (5) of the 1999 Constitution because it was addressed to the Speaker and acted upon by the House of Assembly.

Ngilari, erstwhile deputy to removed Governor Murtala Nyako had filed a suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking an order compelling his swearing in as the governor of the state.

He had asked the court to declare his resignation letter dated July 14, 2014 and addressed to the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, as illegal, null and void.In his suit, marked, FHC/ABJ/CS/545/14, the plaintiff argued that his resignation letter was in breach of the provisions of sections 306(1), (2) and (5) of the 1999 Constitution because it was addressed to the Speaker and acted upon by the House of Assembly.

Justice Adeniyi Ademola, while delivering his judgment, ruled that Ngilari’s letter was written at a time when Nyako had not been removed, thus implying that the letter ought to have gone through Nyako as then governor, which it did not, thus rendering the resignation null and void.

He therefore ruled that Ngilari be sworn in as the substantive governor of the state.

The judgment implies that the bye-election slated for Saturday by INEC, has been stopped.

Source: The Punch

EID-EL-KABIR MESSAGE TO THE NATION FROM GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN

EID-EL-KABIR MESSAGE TO THE NATION FROM GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR, PRESIDENT, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, OCTOBER, 2014

Dear Compatriots,
I greet and felicitate with all our countrymen and women of the Islamic faith as we celebrate this year's Eid-El-Kabir.

I also congratulate all believers who have successfully undertaken the Hajj this year as enjoined by Prophet Mohammed (May Peace Be Upon Him).

As they conclude the rites of the Hajj and prepare to return home, let us all join them in offering special prayers for greater security, peace, unity and progress in our dear country as well as for the peaceful and successful conduct of next year's general elections.

With this week's issuance of a formal notice of the impending general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), another national campaign season is now truly upon us and I urge all political leaders in the country to place the overriding interest of the well-being and progress of our fatherland above all other considerations in the coming campaigns and elections.

My administration has done its sincere best in the past four years to implement its agenda for national transformation and move our country forward on several fronts.

I thank the many individuals, stakeholders, groups, associations, non-governmental organisations, unions and political leaders from across the country who have, in recognition and appreciation of our  efforts and commitment to repositioning our dear nation for more rapid growth and development, urged me to seek a second term in office.

In deciding on an appropriate response to such calls, I will place the greater interests of national harmony, cohesion, unity, security, political stability, progress, equity, justice and fairness above any personal ambition or sectional agenda.

I urge all other political leaders in the country to do the same. Let us all rise above unedifying, unpatriotic and selfish personal interests and divisive sectional agenda in the coming national elections.

Let us also commit ourselves more to the sustenance of democracy and political stability which are essential prerequisites for the  advancement of good governance, inclusive economic growth and rapid development.

In spite of the significant progress we have made in the past four years, our dear nation continues to face critical challenges in some areas. I am convinced however that if we persevere and continue to build diligently on what the present administration has achieved, we will surely overcome all hindrances and fully establish a stronger, more united and prosperous nation that meets the aspirations and yearnings of all of our people.

As we celebrate the Eid-El-Kabir, let us also rededicate and commit ourselves to the Holy Prophet's injunctions of piety, honesty, charity and generosity to the less privileged, impartial leadership and true justice for all.

These virtues and lessons will surely stand our nation in good stead as we continue our journey towards the fulfillment of our founding fathers' vision of a great nation.

May Allah's blessings be upon all our compatriots who have undertaken the Hajj this year and on our dear country.
I wish all Nigerians currently in the Holy Land a safe journey back home.

Happy Eid-El-Kabir to you all.
 
Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR
President,
Federal Republic of Nigeria
October 3, 2014