Jonathan means well for Nigerians - Abati

In this interview, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, contends that contrary to the position of the opposition that President Goodluck Jonathan administration has failed in meeting the expectations of Nigerians, the president has actually carried the art of governance to a higher level.

He also speaks on what the government is doing about the security challenge, especially the issue of Boko Haram. According to him, government is winning the war on terrorism. He comments  on the controversy surrounding the building of the banquet hall in Aso Rock Villa, the vice president's residence, war against corruption and other national issues. Excerpts:

Criticisms can’t turn Jonathan to bully – Abati

In this interview with State House Correspondents, Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati reviews the achievements of the present administration in 2012, saying lots more will be achieved in 2013. He also describes his boss as an impeccable democrat who will not allow criticisms regarding his style turn him into a dictator. Abdulrahman Abdulraheem was there.

People have described President Jonathan as being slow in taking decisions and achieving results. What would you say are the things that have been done differently since he became President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria?

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

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

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

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

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

SERVICE OF SONG FOR THE LATE GEN ANDREW AZAZI

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

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

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

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CONDOLENCE VISIT TO LATE GEN AZAZI FAMILY IN LAGOS

CAPTIONS

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

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

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

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

STATE HOUSE PHOTO
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PRESIDENT JONATHAN MOURNS VICTIMS OF HELICOPTER CRASH

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

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

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

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

December 15, 2012.


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

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

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

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

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

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Secretary of State Hillary Clinton faints, sustains concussion

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

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