President Goodluck Jonathan has congratulated the Bishop of Durham, the Right Reverend Justin Welby on his appointment as the Archbishop of Canterbury and Head of the Anglican Communion worldwide.
In a congratulatory letter to him, President Jonathan said that he was confident that with Bishop Welby's "inspiring antecedents", he will achieve "astounding success" in the new assignment which he has been given at a time of great challenges for the Anglican Church.
"On behalf of my family, the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I write to express warm felicitations to you on your appointment as the next Archbishop of Canterbury.
"Your elevation to the position of headship of the Anglican Communion worldwide, at a time of great challenges for the international community and the Church of Christ, is evidently richly deserved.
"I am confident that, given your inspiring antecedents, you will make an astounding success of this divine assignment.
"You can be assured of the prayers and steadfast support of my government and the body of Christ in Nigeria as you assume your exalted office," President Jonathan wrote.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 10, 2012
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Friday, November 9, 2012
PRESIDENT JONATHAN COMMISERATES WITH CHIEF HARRIMAN’S FAMILY
On behalf of himself and the Federal Government, President Jonathan extends sincerest condolences to the family of the renowned surveyor, industrialist, philanthropist and political leader, Chief Hope Harriman who passed away earlier this week in the United States.
President Jonathan notes that Chief Harriman lived an exemplary and fulfilled life, always doing the best that he could to contribute positively to communal and national development.
The President believes that Chief Harriman will always be remembered in his professional field of surveying and estate management where he built his practice into a glowing reference point for others and became in the process, a role model and mentor for younger Nigerians.
He prays that God Almighty will grant Chief Harriman's soul eternal rest.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 9, 2012
President Jonathan notes that Chief Harriman lived an exemplary and fulfilled life, always doing the best that he could to contribute positively to communal and national development.
The President believes that Chief Harriman will always be remembered in his professional field of surveying and estate management where he built his practice into a glowing reference point for others and became in the process, a role model and mentor for younger Nigerians.
He prays that God Almighty will grant Chief Harriman's soul eternal rest.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 9, 2012
FG WORKING TO BOOST NATIONWIDE ACCESS TO QUALITY DRUGS AND MEDICINES – PRESIDENT JONATHAN
President Goodluck Jonathan said Friday in Abuja that the Federal Government has made boosting the availability and affordability of life-saving drugs nationwide one of the primary objectives of its strategy for achieving significant improvements in national healthcare services in the shortest possible time.
Speaking at an audience with a delegation from the Merck Pharmaceuticals Company of Germany, President Jonathan said that his Administration was therefore doing everything possible to ensure that genuine essential drugs and medicines are constantly available in hospitals and pharmacies in all parts of the country.
The President said that the Federal Government was working with drug manufacturers, friendly nations and international organizations towards the achievement of this objective and would welcome increased international support and assistance for its effort to give more Nigerians easier access to essential drugs and medicines.
President Jonathan thanked the Merck delegation which was led by Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp-Merck for the company's ongoing support for healthcare delivery in Nigeria through the continued donation of large quantities of its drug Praziquantel for the free treatment of schistosomiasis or bilharzia, a chronic illness that can damage internal organs and, in children, impair growth and cognitive development."We really appreciate your gesture. Your drugs will help us to save even more lives under our Save One Million Lives Initiative which I recently launched. We will make the best use of the drugs and will work with you and our other friends in the international community to achieve our objective of better health services for all Nigerians," the President told Dr. Haverkamp-Merck and his team.
Dr. Haverkamp-Merck told the President that his company which is the oldest pharmaceuticals company in the world, having been in existence since 1668, will continue to support the Jonathan Administration's Save One Million Lives Initiative in every possible way.
He informed the President that the company which currently operates in over 60 countries was also assisting and supporting NAFDAC in the agency's efforts to ensure that only genuine drugs and medicines are supplied to Nigerians.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 9, 2012
Speaking at an audience with a delegation from the Merck Pharmaceuticals Company of Germany, President Jonathan said that his Administration was therefore doing everything possible to ensure that genuine essential drugs and medicines are constantly available in hospitals and pharmacies in all parts of the country.
The President said that the Federal Government was working with drug manufacturers, friendly nations and international organizations towards the achievement of this objective and would welcome increased international support and assistance for its effort to give more Nigerians easier access to essential drugs and medicines.
President Jonathan thanked the Merck delegation which was led by Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp-Merck for the company's ongoing support for healthcare delivery in Nigeria through the continued donation of large quantities of its drug Praziquantel for the free treatment of schistosomiasis or bilharzia, a chronic illness that can damage internal organs and, in children, impair growth and cognitive development."We really appreciate your gesture. Your drugs will help us to save even more lives under our Save One Million Lives Initiative which I recently launched. We will make the best use of the drugs and will work with you and our other friends in the international community to achieve our objective of better health services for all Nigerians," the President told Dr. Haverkamp-Merck and his team.
Dr. Haverkamp-Merck told the President that his company which is the oldest pharmaceuticals company in the world, having been in existence since 1668, will continue to support the Jonathan Administration's Save One Million Lives Initiative in every possible way.
He informed the President that the company which currently operates in over 60 countries was also assisting and supporting NAFDAC in the agency's efforts to ensure that only genuine drugs and medicines are supplied to Nigerians.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 9, 2012
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Dead candidates win elections in Florida, Alabama
(Reuters) - Florida Democrat Earl K. Wood and Alabama Republican Charles Beasley won their respective elections but they will not take office.
Both men died weeks before the November 6 election yet managed to beat their very much alive opponents by comfortable margins.
Wood died on October 15 from natural causes at age 96, during his campaign for a 12th term as Orange County Tax Collector in Orlando, Florida.
Criticized for rarely coming into the office while collecting a $150,000 salary and $90,000 pension, Wood initially announced he would step down, only to change his mind when a longtime political foe made plans to seek the seat.
Wood's wide name recognition after almost half a century in office scared off several serious contenders. His name remained on the ballot and he took 56 percent of the votes to 44 percent for a Republican who promised to eliminate the office altogether if elected.
Beasley, 77, died on October 12, possibly due to an aneurysm, while trying to reclaim his old seat on the Bibb County Commission in central Alabama.
Beasley's name also remained on the ballot and he won about 52 percent of the vote. His Democratic opponent, incumbent Commissioner Walter Sansing, took the loss especially hard.
"It is a touchy situation. When you are running against a dead man, you are limited as to what you can say," Sansing told Reuters.
He blamed people voting straight Republican tickets for his loss.
In Orlando, Scott Randolph, an outgoing Democratic state legislator and state party activist, was selected by his party to receive votes cast for Wood and he will assume the office. In Alabama, the governor will appoint a new commissioner with input from local Republicans.
Both men died weeks before the November 6 election yet managed to beat their very much alive opponents by comfortable margins.
Wood died on October 15 from natural causes at age 96, during his campaign for a 12th term as Orange County Tax Collector in Orlando, Florida.
Criticized for rarely coming into the office while collecting a $150,000 salary and $90,000 pension, Wood initially announced he would step down, only to change his mind when a longtime political foe made plans to seek the seat.
Wood's wide name recognition after almost half a century in office scared off several serious contenders. His name remained on the ballot and he took 56 percent of the votes to 44 percent for a Republican who promised to eliminate the office altogether if elected.
Beasley, 77, died on October 12, possibly due to an aneurysm, while trying to reclaim his old seat on the Bibb County Commission in central Alabama.
Beasley's name also remained on the ballot and he won about 52 percent of the vote. His Democratic opponent, incumbent Commissioner Walter Sansing, took the loss especially hard.
"It is a touchy situation. When you are running against a dead man, you are limited as to what you can say," Sansing told Reuters.
He blamed people voting straight Republican tickets for his loss.
In Orlando, Scott Randolph, an outgoing Democratic state legislator and state party activist, was selected by his party to receive votes cast for Wood and he will assume the office. In Alabama, the governor will appoint a new commissioner with input from local Republicans.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE: PRESIDENT JONATHAN CONGRATULATES OBAMA ON HIS RE-ELECTION
On behalf of himself, the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria President Goodluck Jonathan heartily congratulates President Barrack Obama on his success in winning re-election in yesterday's presidential elections in the United States.
President Jonathan welcomes President Obama's victory in an intensely fought presidential race as an endorsement by the good people of United States of his leadership, progressive world view and the very good work he has done in the past four years towards ending global economic depression and fostering global peace and security.
Nigeria, the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union enjoyed very cordial and productive relations with the Obama Administration in his first term; President Jonathan looks forward to continuing to build on Nigeria's and Africa's developmental collaboration with the United States in the next four years.
The President looks forward in particular to the further strengthening of US-Nigeria bilateral relations and the US-Nigeria Bi-National Commission which was established in President Obama's first term as the primary platform for the promotion of greater trade and economic cooperation between both countries as well as bilateral collaboration in other areas.
President Jonathan also hopes that the millions of people across the world, especially those in developing nations who watched the beauty and strength of democracy unfold in the United States presidential elections yesterday will come to a greater and better appreciation of democracy as the key to building peaceful, stable and progressive societies.
The President wishes President Obama continued good health and God's blessings and guidance as he prepares for his inauguration in January for a second term in office as the President of the United States of America.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 7, 201
President Jonathan welcomes President Obama's victory in an intensely fought presidential race as an endorsement by the good people of United States of his leadership, progressive world view and the very good work he has done in the past four years towards ending global economic depression and fostering global peace and security.
Nigeria, the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union enjoyed very cordial and productive relations with the Obama Administration in his first term; President Jonathan looks forward to continuing to build on Nigeria's and Africa's developmental collaboration with the United States in the next four years.
The President looks forward in particular to the further strengthening of US-Nigeria bilateral relations and the US-Nigeria Bi-National Commission which was established in President Obama's first term as the primary platform for the promotion of greater trade and economic cooperation between both countries as well as bilateral collaboration in other areas.
President Jonathan also hopes that the millions of people across the world, especially those in developing nations who watched the beauty and strength of democracy unfold in the United States presidential elections yesterday will come to a greater and better appreciation of democracy as the key to building peaceful, stable and progressive societies.
The President wishes President Obama continued good health and God's blessings and guidance as he prepares for his inauguration in January for a second term in office as the President of the United States of America.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 7, 201
Monday, November 5, 2012
Nigeria: Why the U.S. Election Matters
I hasten to add however, that the reasons why the US Presidential election due on Tuesday, are important to the average American living in or outside America may not be and are rarely, the same reasons why the same election is important to non-Americans, outside America, say for example, Nigerians. The only close exception perhaps must have been demonstrated in the wake of President Barack Obama's emergence in 2008. Americans wanted change, and many Africans saw that change in the colour of President Obama's skin. They raised funds, they organized street campaigns, they promoted the candidate...they did all of that although they had no say in the outcome of the election, they were motivated nonetheless by the symbolism of hope represented by the Obama candidacy, and its resonance.
The evaporation of that global euphoria today attests to the temporocentricism of human emotions; more so for the America-centric international audience, race is not such an important issue in the 2012 US Presidential election, and for the American, there are more urgent existential considerations. Still, US elections continue to matter to the rest of the world. The significance lies in the influence of America in the world, and the variegated economic and cultural implications of the outcome of the election. One quick example: the world economy is linked to the American economy almost umblically; with current unemployment rates and domestic stress generating doubts about the efficiency of the system, further contraction in the domestic US economy and an isolationist President in power, could translate into a withdrawal from global responsibilities in the shape of reduction in aid. Many African countries continue to depend on US aid, too many economies have their fortunes tied to America's.
For the average American, and there is a lesson here for us well conveyed by the Obama-Romney debates, a Presidential election is more about difference and ideological choices about the future of the United States and its people. The American voter that we have seen in the run up to the elections was, in this context, constantly reminded of his or her significance. What was signposted was the right of the voter to choose. Thus, when all is said and done, the morning after November 6, the final scene of the drama of the last few weeks will be the voter's choice, with the accent properly placed on the fact that the American people would have spoken. Elections in an established democracy are not won on the basis of the power of incumbency. Witness Barack Obama, a sitting American President having to fight for his shirt, county to county, city to city, state to state, sweating, lobbying, arguing...yet at this moment, the race is so close the leading contenders are losing their voices and pleading with volunteers to help out. The dictatorship of the American voter should matter a lot to the African voter who for the most part is disempowered and discounted.
The changing pattern of the public opinion polls has proven further that in this election, as in every other US election, more dramatically shown in the Dewey-Truman 1948 debacle, the outcome cannot be taken for granted until the race is over, and the battle is won and lost.
This should mean something to us in Nigeria, and in the larger African community, for it is at the centre of President Goodluck Jonathan's Transformation Agenda. It is the same electoral ethic that President Jonathan has insisted upon since his assumption of office as President. Nigerians, long used to a political situation in which the privilege of incumbency confers all powers have seen under President Jonathan's watch, a completely different arrangement. It used to be the case in this land, that all that was required of an incumbent in the position of a President or Governor was to sit back and assume that incumbency will confer automatic re-election, and if the incumbent managed to stir at all, he did so with so much arrogance. Most of the time, this worked. The incumbent bullied and forced his way through to a second term. Not since President Jonathan assumed the mantle of office, though. In the recent Gubernatorial elections, in Bayelsa, Edo and Ondo, and in other elections since 2011, we saw how the incumbents had to struggle hard to convince and mobilize the electorate. President Jonathan's signature cry of one man, one vote, one woman, one vote, one youth one vote, reiterates the power of the voter. I have seen the same principle well advertised in the humility of the two US Presidential candidates, and the struggle over the swing states that are so crucial to the electoral college arrangement. Candidates will go to the polls on Tuesday completely humbled by the supremacy of the American voter, who has been called upon to use his vote as an instrument of either power or "revenge." That is what democracy is all about: Ideas, competition, debate, choice. African politicians who manipulate electoral processes to suit their own purposes will be among the many observers of the US elections. They need to look beyond the drama at the morality of the experience.
The US Presidential election further matters because institutions matter. Americans are going into the election on Tuesday convinced that the system will protect the voters and their choice. So much money has been spent on the campaigns -over one million TV ads, and more than $7 billion on television advertising alone- but not money on a desperate attempt to bribe the voter. There are political parties but those political parties function as institutions not as personal fiefdoms. There are individuals occupying such positions as Chairmanship of the political parties and of the Electoral Commission, but they are not part of the debate because the system does not make them unduly obtrusive. Apart from the Presidential election, Americans will determine who controls the Senate. There are 33 Senate seats up for grabs. The Democrats currently hold a 53-47 majority; if the Republicans are able to gain 4 seats, they will gain control of the Senate and also maintain their control over the House of Representatives. These elections are just as important as the Presidential election.
The candidates are important too. This sounds like a restatement of the obvious. But of course, that is what it is. There is no candidate in this election who has not been subjected to laser jet scrutiny: who they are, what they represent, what they say, what they will do or not do, this is not really about their villages or state of origin; but their beliefs and non-beliefs. The voter can make a mistake, but he or she is given enough opportunity and latitude to make an informed choice. There is no room for anyone to smuggle himself or herself into office without passing through the crucible of scrutiny. The emphasis is on the responsibility that comes with office and the ability and character of the applicant to it. When all is over, Americans want to wake up with the feeling that they have chosen the better man for this time and that the choice is a true reflection of the majority. That is what matters.
And all of these matter because it is the country that matters most. Pro patria: Love of country. This is all about country, that is, America's prestige and place in the world. The average American will make a choice to sustain the exceptionalism of the United States as a country that can still be remembered and protected as "God's own country," a country where all Americans can still feel that sense of pride, that they are "the best" in the world. And that is why the key issue has been how to make America better for Americans: healthcare, medicare, social security, housing, energy, immigration reform, taxes, jobs, national security, the economy, foreign policy- issues that connect with the ordinary people in their daily circumstances.
And one more thing: in the midst of last minute 2012 US electioneering, Hurricane Sandy occurred, wrecking such havoc on the Eastern Coast of the United States that should be familiar to Nigerians who had also just witnessed the same devastating impact of climate change in parts of the country. During that critical moment, Americans refused to play the politics of disaster. They all united as Americans, Republicans and Democrats alike, even the Romney team praised Obama for his leadership. Great lesson!
So, as they say, what is our own in this matter? As Nigerians monitor the US elections along with the rest of the world, we must spare a thought for our own democracy and this administration's efforts at its consolidation; in noting the differences and commonalities, we should reflect on the projected values of duty, responsibility, institutional integrity and love of country. That is what I think. And let me add: Good luck to the Americans.
Dr. Abati is Special Adviser (Media and Publicity) to President Goodluck Jonathan
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE: PRESIDENT JONATHAN REQUESTS RIVERS, BAYELSA GOVERNORS TO END MEDIA WAR OVER DISPUTED OIL WELLS
The Presidency has noted with concern the rather unbecoming, unnecessary and unhelpful media war between the Bayelsa and Rivers State Governments over the rightful ownership of some oil wells.
The Presidency believes that this media war which appears to be escalating with each passing day can only hinder and negate efforts already initiated by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to achieve an amicable resolution of the dispute in the best interest of the affected communities, the two states and the nation.
President Jonathan therefore requests the Governors of both states to facilitate and help to create the right atmosphere for the successful conclusion of the peace process by ordering an immediate stoppage of all acrimonious public comments against each other over the dispute.
Having already had very useful discussions with the Rivers State Governor and Kalabari elders over the weekend, President Jonathan intends to take the process forward at another scheduled meeting at 11 am at the Presidential Villa on Friday, November 9, 2012 with the governors of the two states, leaders of the affected communities and all concerned stakeholders.
President Jonathan consequently urges the two governors and leaders of the affected communities to ensure that no further spiteful or inciting comments are made against each other to pollute the right atmosphere for constructive dialogue and brotherly reconciliation which he is striving to promote for the amicable resolution of the dispute.
He looks forward to receiving the Rivers and Bayelsa State delegations in Abuja on Friday.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 5, 2012
The Presidency believes that this media war which appears to be escalating with each passing day can only hinder and negate efforts already initiated by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to achieve an amicable resolution of the dispute in the best interest of the affected communities, the two states and the nation.
President Jonathan therefore requests the Governors of both states to facilitate and help to create the right atmosphere for the successful conclusion of the peace process by ordering an immediate stoppage of all acrimonious public comments against each other over the dispute.
Having already had very useful discussions with the Rivers State Governor and Kalabari elders over the weekend, President Jonathan intends to take the process forward at another scheduled meeting at 11 am at the Presidential Villa on Friday, November 9, 2012 with the governors of the two states, leaders of the affected communities and all concerned stakeholders.
President Jonathan consequently urges the two governors and leaders of the affected communities to ensure that no further spiteful or inciting comments are made against each other to pollute the right atmosphere for constructive dialogue and brotherly reconciliation which he is striving to promote for the amicable resolution of the dispute.
He looks forward to receiving the Rivers and Bayelsa State delegations in Abuja on Friday.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 5, 2012
Sunday, November 4, 2012
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE RIBADU COMMITTEE REPORT: ACN GOT IT WRONG
and the President's "innermost thoughts on this issue."
The drama that has been generated around the Petroleum Revenue Task Force Report, one of three reports that were submitted to President Jonathan on Friday, Nov 2, says a lot about the attempt by others to politicize everything possible and seek cheap advantages where they need not do so. For the avoidance of doubt, and for the benefit of the naysayers, the committees were set up as fact-finding and advisory bodies, to generate ideas and recommendations about how best to strengthen the oil and gas sector and to further pursue the objectives of institutional integrity, transparency and accountability. President Jonathan remains committed to the war against corruption and every step his administration has taken has been in this direction, and that has not changed.
The Presidency deplores the attempt by the ACN to accuse it of having had a hand in the open dissension among members of the Ribadu Committee. The disagreements during the presentation were as surprising as they were sudden. President Jonathan should be commended for his mature handling of the situation, and not made the target of silly insinuations.
The ACN claims that Steve Oronsaye and Bernard Otti's membership of the NNPC while serving on the Ribadu committee compromises their position. It is important to note that this committee and other committees had government officials, and ex-staff as members. They were not set up as quasi-judicial bodies but as committees of wise and knowledgeable men and women who would offer useful advice and in getting such useful advice there is nothing wrong in encouraging the participation of a broad category of persons including insiders and outsiders.
If Lai Mohammed had done his home work, he would have discovered that there were serving government officials on the Petroleum Industry Bill Task Force, chaired by Senator Udo Udoma, and which submitted its report in June, its technical committee was chaired by Engr Osten Olorunsola of the Directorate of Petroleum Resources (DPR). Similarly, the Refineries Task Force headed by Dr Kalu Idika Kalu had all the Managing Directors of the Refineries as members. And in fact, the membership of the Ribadu Committee included representatives of the FIRS, Federal Ministry of Finance, Attorney General of the Federation/Minister of Justice, DPR, NNPC, and Accountant General of the Federation.
The ACN should desist from looking for faults where none exists, in the expectation that if they tell the same lies long enough, more gullible persons will be persuaded to trust them.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
Nov. 4, 2012
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
Friday, November 2, 2012
PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN WITH THE VISITING GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER, DR GVIDO WESTERWELLE
STATE HOUSE PHOTO
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
Thursday, November 1, 2012
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE: PRESIDENT JONATHAN FELICITATES WITH CHIEF OBASANJO ON APPOINTMENT AS COUNTRY REPRESENTATIVE FOR QUEEN ELIZABETH DIAMOND JUBILEE TRUST
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has felicitated with former President Olusegun Obasanjo on his appointment as the Country Representative for Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust.
The President in a congratulatory letter to Chief Obasanjo, expressed confidence that in this new honorific position, the former President would through his "wide network of contacts across the Commonwealth, ensure that the Trust generates the resources required to fund legacy projects in the name of Queen Elizabeth."
President Jonathan while wishing the former President success in his new endeavour, said that he considered the appointment not only a personal honour to Chief Obasanjo, but also to Nigeria as a country.
REUBEN ABATI
Special Adviser (Media & Publicity) to the President
November 1, 2012.
The President in a congratulatory letter to Chief Obasanjo, expressed confidence that in this new honorific position, the former President would through his "wide network of contacts across the Commonwealth, ensure that the Trust generates the resources required to fund legacy projects in the name of Queen Elizabeth."
President Jonathan while wishing the former President success in his new endeavour, said that he considered the appointment not only a personal honour to Chief Obasanjo, but also to Nigeria as a country.
REUBEN ABATI
Special Adviser (Media & Publicity) to the President
November 1, 2012.
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