PRESIDENT JONATHAN PROMISES FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN TO REVOLUTIONIZE COMMUNICATIONS IN NIGERIA

President Goodluck Jonathan pledged today in Abuja that his administration will take immediate steps to fully implement the report of the Presidential Committee on a National Broadband Strategy and Roadmap.

Speaking after receiving the report which was jointly presented to him by the Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson and the Co-Chairmen of the Committee, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe and Mr. Jim Ovia, President Jonathan said that he was confident that the successful implementation of the National Broadband Strategy and Roadmap will help to positively revolutionize communications in Nigeria.

President Jonathan said that he wholly subscribed to the committee's view that broadband is to the 21

st century information age what electricity was to the industrial age and would therefore give the fullest possible support to the effort to ensure that Nigeria is wholly integrated into the global digital communications network.

"Any country that lags behind in the current age of ICT will miss a lot. That is why we have created a separate Ministry of Communications Technology to facilitate the establishment of the best digital communications infrastructure in Nigeria and optimize our adoption of global best practices in the use of information and communications technology.

"I thank you for your work and I assure you that the report will be adopted by government and implementation will begin immediately because our people are hungry for information and we are in a hurry to fully integrate our country into the digital communications age," the President told members of the committee.

The Committee, which was established in September 2012 to develop a broadband strategy and roadmap for Nigeria, said that the key objectives of the plan which it has evolved are: to promote pervasive broadband deployment in the country; increase broadband adoption and usage and ensure the availability of broadband services at affordable prices to maximize its socio-economic and political benefits.

It is expected that in the 2013-2018 implementation period a fivefold increase in internet and broadband penetration will be achieved in the country.

It is also intended that all state capitals and urban cities will have metro-fibre infrastructure installed within the period.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
May 30, 2013
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FASHAKIN AND THE CPC ARE NOT SINKING, THEY HAVE SUNK!

FASHAKIN AND THE CPC ARE NOT SINKING, THEY HAVE SUNK!

By Jibrin Mamman

I just read Rotimi Fashakin's response (if you can call it that) to Reuben Abati's statement released earlier today. While Abati's statement was long on facts, Fashakin's was long on insults and pettiness and one begins to wonder if his statement betrays what Nigeria should expect of his party, the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) if it ever assumes power.

Firstly, it is befitting that Fashakin is spokesman to a party founded by a man who outlawed truthful reporting that embarrassed his government when he was in power as a military dictator. Obviously, the apple did not fall far from the tree. If the master does not like inconvenient truths, how can the puppet stomach it?

One would have expected Fashakin to dwell on the issues raised by Dr. Abati's statement viz that; President Jonathan went to Addis Ababa to represent Nigeria's interest. That he rightly judged a meeting with fellow Heads of States Governments which centered on moving forward on the Lagos-Abidjan highway (which is vital to Nigeria's economic interests in West Africa) to be more important that addressing the general gathering. That Nigeria lost nothing as the very words that the President would have spoken were spoken by his representative, the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

But rather than address these factual points, Fashakin chose to cast aspersions on Dr. Abati's past and to make doomsday prophecies for his future.

But, let us place the pasts of both Dr. Abati and Mr. Fashakin side by side. Before Reuben Abati became Presidential spokesman, he was the most widely read columnist in Nigeria as well as chairman of the editorial board of the Guardian Newspaper, Nigeria's flagship newspaper.

A First Class graduate of Theater Arts from the University of Calabar and best graduating student of the University of Calabar for his year as well as a recipient of various national and international prizes for journalism including, the Cecil King Memorial Prize for Print Journalist and the Fletcher Challenge Commonwealth Prize for Opinion Writing. He is also a Humphrey fellow, a lawyer and a honorary member of the Nigerian Institute of Letters.

Now for Rotimi Fashakin, can anybody tell me his past? I honestly had not heard of him before he became CPC's mouthpiece. It is safe to say that while Reuben Abati brought something to his job as Presidential spokesman, it was the job of CPC spokesman that brought something to Fashakin.

Now, as to the future, no one but God can determine any man's future. So for Fashakin to say that Abati's future is sinking is to say the least ungodly.

I have a different theory however to Fashakin's vituperations. It is my opinion that the CPC has been very embarrassed by its founder, Muhammadu Buhari's recent statement which sounded almost like an advertisement for Boko Haram that they are looking for a fall guy to divert attention from Buhari.

Nigerians have not forgotten that only last week Buhari said 'When the Niger Delta militants started their activities in the South-South, they were invited by the late President Umaru Yar'adua. An aircraft was sent to them and their leaders met with the late President in Aso Rock and discussed issues. They were given money and a training scheme was introduced for their members. But when the Boko Haram emerged in the north members of the sect were killed'.

I personally believe that it is to cover this embarrassing statement that Fashakin has sought to target Rueben Abati.

Finally, I must say that it is surprising that Fashakin thinks that the PDP led government is sinking along with Abati. Perhaps here we can consider some facts, those precise things that Fashakin seems to be allergic to. Only weeks ago, council elections were held in the Federal Capital Territory and the PDP swept the polls in a most credible election that was heavily monitored. The CPC did not win even one council. Now if the proof of the pudding is in the eating who between the Presidency, Abati and the PDP on the one hand and the CPC is sinking?

For the answer to that question, Buhari and Fashakin may want to consult their legislators in the National Assembly who disobeyed the directive of Buhari and the CPC not to vote for the Emergency Declaration in Yobe, Borno and Adamawa States and sided with President Jonathan and the PDP by voting overwhelmingly for the measure. If your own legislators are siding with your enemy then you are not sinking. You have sunk.
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AU SUMMIT: RAIN OF FIRE ON FASHAKIN & CPC

CPC and Fashakin got it wrong about President Jonathan and OAU/AU at 50 Summit

We are dealing with such hideous and second rate characters in Nigeria's public space, belonging to the ACN and the CPC, and that other would-be disaster-prone mongrel called APC that they won't even respect the truth. The prize for being silly in this regard must go to one Rotimi Fashakin who describes himself as the National Publicity Secretary of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). He is an arm-chair critic per excellence and a medieval-era ignoramus.

In a release titled "President Jonathan's AU summit gaffe" (May 28) Rotimi displayed such habitual indolence and brainlessness that his heirs must be eternally ashamed of, and which I consider offensive and needlessly disruptive. His subject is the just-ended AU @ 50 summit in Addis Ababa.

I invite more cerebral and decent persons to consider the facts.  President Jonathan as the leader of the Nigerian delegation to the AU summit in Addis Ababa and the 50th anniversary of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) indeed put up a sterling performance, using the opportunity of the trip to further promote Nigeria's interests and to strengthen Nigeria's relationships with other countries. He held bilateral meetings with the UN Secretary General and the leaders of Jamaica, Egypt, Swaziland, Ghana, Cote D'Ivoire. He granted interviews to the media, local and international. He also participated in a special session on HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis, at which he invited other world leaders to the Abuja+12 conference to be hosted in Nigeria, mid-June. President Jonathan is an accomplished diplomat and a responsible leader under whose watch, Nigeria's foreign policy process and international relations have been strengthened with commendable results.

Fashakin, failing to do minimal research that any right-thinking person would attempt, jumps to the conclusion that President Jonathan missed his slot at the AU and that nobody represented him. This is more than 48 hours after I had issued a statement indicating that no slot was missed. Fashakin must be so busy he doesn't even bother to read the news. No slot was missed because no country was under any compulsion to speak. Any country that wished to make a statement indicated the interest to do so, by pressing the button at its own convenience. Nigeria had indicated an interest to speak, but the President needed to attend an urgent ECOWAS meeting on the Lagos-Abidjan Highway, to be attended by five West African countries, to take a report by the Nigerian Minister of Works who is the chair of the regional inter-Ministerial body on the proposed Lagos-Abidjan Highway. I have since circulated the conclusions of that meeting.

While President Jonathan was attending that meeting, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru, the Minister of Foreign Affairs presented our statement to the OAU at 50 on President Jonathan's behalf. I have also since circulated the full text of that statement. In other words, Nigeria's voice was heard, loud and clear. Let it be noted that President Jonathan's attendance of a meeting on the sidelines of the AU Summit was perfectly in order, and he attended quite a number, just as Minister Ashiru was not the only Foreign Minister who spoke on behalf of a President at the Summit. So where did Fashakin get his information from that nobody represented Nigeria?   

The nature of his mental indolence is understandable. In this attempt to pull President Jonathan down at all costs, lies have become standard stuff, mischief a major commodity, and indecency a character flaw. President Jonathan does not owe anyone an apology for serving Nigeria diligently and truthfully. Fashakin's reference to an incident in Australia is also wrong-headed because the allegation is false.  In fact, in Australia, President Jonathan met with a broad range of investors in the mining sector and that has resulted in huge investments in the Nigerian mining sector. I consider the insinuation about inebriation, in Fashakin's statement, amplified by his paid agents in other fora, as utterly disrespectful and foolish. They can't certainly be talking about a President who is a well-focused man of achievement. By the same token, I consider the reference to Governor Rotimi Amaechi and the Nigeria Governors' Forum in that statement as a red herring. Again, I advise Fashakin to read the newspapers so he can be abreast of developments, the only way he can get close to being an effective spokesperson. I had made it clear that President Jonathan has no hand in the Governors Forum crisis, and we stand by that position.

Our case is not rested. When next Fashakin comes to the public with unintelligent thoughts about President Jonathan, it shall remain our duty to continue to remind him of the need to think before talking.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
May 28, 2013
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AU 50th ANNIVERSARY: 'The wars we fight sap our strength' - President Jonathan

COMMEMORATION OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE OAU/AU

 "PAN-AFRICANISM AND AFRICAN RENAISSANCE"
ADDIS ABABA, 25 MAY, 2013

Mr. Chairman
Your Excellencies
Invited Guests
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen

1.     I am delighted to be part of this historic Summit which commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAU). I join other colleagues in conveying appreciation to the government and people of Ethiopia for their hospitality and the African Union Commission for the excellent organization of this unique event. 

2.     It is a great honour to also acknowledge the presence at this occasion, of our elder statesman, former President of the Republic of Zambia, H.E. Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, one of the founding fathers of this organization.  

3.     What at the time seemed only a vision, was relentlessly pursued, beginning with the Accra Conference of 1958, through Tunis (1960), followed by Cairo (1961) to the Conference in this great city of Addis Ababa on 25th May, 1963 when thirty-two (32) African Heads of State and Government founded the Organization of African Unity (OAU). 

4.     As we celebrate the Golden Jubilee of our Organization, we can take justifiable pride in the fact that the objectives the founding fathers set for themselves have largely been achieved. Their foresight and action have translated an ideal into reality. 

5.     The theme of this special Summit, Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance, is indeed both profound and apt.  It captures the essence of our Union, its ideals, its aims and its aspirations. 

6.     Fifty years ago, the socio-political and economic landscape of Africa and the entire world was different from what it is today.  Africa was preoccupied with a just struggle to rid itself of the vestiges of colonialism and racial domination.  The world was also in the throes of the Cold War which impacted on our struggle.  But we persevered and stayed the course. 

7.     Fifty years on, Africa is independent.  Africa has won its fight against apartheid and racial discrimination.  The OAU and its rallying philosophy of Pan Africanism gave impetus to our struggle for our political emancipation and acceptance as full- fledged members of the international community.  

8.     While political independence has been won and colonialism, apartheid and minority rule have been defeated, we are yet to overcome the challenges of neo-colonialism, poverty, disease, violent conflicts, environmental degradation, under-development and economic dependency.  

9.     We owe it to ourselves and to future generations to ensure that Africa succeeds.  We must consolidate our achievements, correct past mistakes and accomplish the new African integration paradigm for political, economic, socio-cultural and scientific development. 

10.   Today, we are reflecting on the philosophy of Pan Africanism and African Renaissance not at the behest of anyone but of our own accord. We do so because we are conscious of the need to control our own destiny.  For too long, Africa has been a victim of external domination, exploitation and manipulation.  Africa must rediscover itself. 

11.   So, my message today is very simple.  Africa must declare an end to the era of self inflicted wars and conflicts.  Africa must usher in an era of transformation, peace, stability and sustainable development.

12.   We all know that the wars we fight sap our strength, divert our resources and destroy precious lives and property.  We know that these conflicts hold Africa back.  We must bring them to an end immediately to give Africa respite and space to develop and realize its potential for greatness. 

13.   In this regard, we must first take definite steps and implement all the frameworks aimed at curtailing the proliferation and illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in our continent.  These are the weapons of choice in the prosecution of all the deadly conflicts, acts of terrorism, piracy and armed robberies ravaging many parts of our continent.  Given their lethality they have been aptly described as the weapons of mass destruction and destabilization in Africa. 

14.   Second, with Africa free of all its crises and violent conflicts, we must commit to deepen our democratic governance and rule of law. We must give voice to, and respect the wishes of our people when they express them democratically, freely and openly.  Democracy must be allowed to flourish unimpeded in all our countries.  We must end the culture of abuse of power and impunity.  We must embrace the culture of accountability, equity and justice. 

15.   Third, for Pan Africanism to endure and Africa's Renaissance to occur, a peaceful Africa must draw lessons from its ancient past as the cradle of human civilization.  In the last 50 years, the world has attained unprecedented heights in human advancement driven by science and technology.  Africa must be part of that movement and experience.  Africa should aim to lead humanity again in innovation and advancement. 

16.   Africa must not remain in the margins of world affairs.  Africa must continue to ask for its due rights and place in the World.  Africa's demand to be represented on the permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council is just.  It should never be seen as a privilege.  We should, therefore, vigorously press our demand for an urgent reform and expansion of the Council in order to inaugurate more equitable global governance architecture.  

17.   The transformation of Africa to a strong, confident, productive and competitive region should not pose challenges of extraordinary nature.  Africa is a continent blessed with a versatile human resource base.  The continent has huge reserves of diverse untapped natural resources.  We must commit ourselves to add value to these resources and use them to transform the lives of our peoples and nations. 

We must commit anew, to win our battle against poverty, hunger and disease.  Africa can and must take care of its most vulnerable population, especially its youth, its women and its physically challenged.  Africa must turn its begging bowls into baskets of prosperity and opportunity.  We must give a new face to our people and continent.  Our rebirth, our renewal, our renaissance must begin now.

18.   We signaled this intent with the transformation of the Organization of African Union (OAU) to the African Union (AU), a decade ago. We adopted forward-looking and dynamic approaches to Africa's integration agenda. We devised a new Peace and Security Architecture. We agreed on a new framework to ward off the tendency towards unconstitutional change of government and adopted a Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance among others.  We also adopted the New Partnership for Africa's Economic Development (NEPAD) along with the Africa Peer Review (APR) mechanism to fast-track the continent's development agenda and enhanced governance process. 

19.   Mr. Chairman, as expected, my country, Nigeria, will remain a staunch supporter and promoter of Pan-Africanism and the ideals and objectives, championed by this Union.  Our steadfast commitment to the Union arises from our recognition that African unity and solidarity will remain our strength, both as a nation and as a continent. 

20.   Nigeria will be in the vanguard of the collective efforts aimed at the realization of this continental dream.  Nigeria's policy of placing Africa at the centre of its external relations is to ensure that, at all times, the challenge of building and sustaining the Africa of our dream, remains a priority. 

21.   It is, therefore, my hope that when the Centenary of the OAU shall be marked 50 years from now, it shall be said of us that we provided the right leadership, built on the foundation already laid by the founding fathers, thereby assuring the renaissance of a proud, dynamic and fully integrated Africa. 

Long Live Africa!   Long Live the African Union!!
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NGF ELECTIONS: PRESIDENT JONATHAN ABSOLVES SELF

We have noted with regret the mischievous effort by sections of the mass media to portray President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as an interested party and the main loser in yesterday's election of the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF).

Contrary to the impression of Presidential partisanship and interference in the affairs of the Governors Forum erroneously conveyed by some headlines in the media today, President Jonathan who is currently leading Nigeria's delegation to the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa had no preferred candidate in the NGF elections and could therefore not have been "floored" by any other candidate as some newspapers sensationally reported.

President Jonathan has the greatest possible respect for the Nigerian Governors Forum as an independent body of mature, responsible, and knowledgeable elected political leaders who have a critical role to play in strengthening democratic governance in the country, and who are quite capable of running their own affairs without being tele-guided, as some media reports misleadingly implied.

The President has always shown a willingness to work harmoniously with any leadership freely and independently chosen by the Governors Forum for the collective progress and development of all sections of the country and will continue to do so.

He has not in the present instance or ever before, interfered in elections to leadership positions in the Governors Forum. Reports in the media which convey that impression are totally off the mark and the handiwork of mischievous individuals and groups with the intention of sowing the seeds of discord and disunity in the polity.

President Jonathan trusts that as true democrats and respected national political leaders, members of the Governors Forum will quickly resolve the issues and differences amongst them which emerged yesterday and continue to contribute effectively to national development as a strong, and progressive body.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
May 25, 2013
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PRESIDENT JONATHAN CONDEMNS TERROR ATTACK IN BRITAIN

President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed shock at the terrorist attack and killing of a British soldier, Drummer Lee Rigby of the 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers in the Woolwich area of London, United Kingdom; and strongly condemns this unfortunate incident.

He conveys his sincere condolences to the British Prime Minister David Cameron and the British people over this senseless and barbaric act, and shares their grief at this moment.

President Jonathan notes that a terrorist attack anywhere is an attack on the way of life of all free nations and must be collectively condemned by all persons irrespective of race, ethnicity or religion.

It is in this spirit that the Nigerian government is partnering with the British Government, as well as all other stakeholder sovereigns to stand up to and fight terrorism and extremism in whatever guise or pretense it chooses to present itself.

President Jonathan recognizes that each environment presents its own unique challenges and peculiarities and actions taken by affected nations may differ, yet the resolve to confront and defeat this threat should never be in doubt.

President Jonathan says Nigerians are collectively resolute about the need to protect the freedoms that define our existence and inter-relationships at home and overseas. Our recent past tells us that when we pull together, this common enemy and threat will eventually be defeated.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
May 23, 2013
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Reuben Abati loses Mum

With a heavy heart and gratitude to God Almighty, the Abati family of Kemta-Okebode, Abeokuta announces the passing away of their mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Madam Maria Taiwo Abati who passed into glory today, aged 81.

Mama Abati, a devout Christian, a very kind and loving person was born on 7th August 1931. She was born into the family of late Pa Samuel Jobo Arowotadina and Late Madam Elizabeth Efundunke Arowotadina of Ijemo, Abeokuta. She was a trader at Kuto Market for many years. She was popularly known and addressed as Mama Adunni or Mama Sunday.

She is survived by children, grandchildren and great grandchildren including Dr. Reuben Abati, Special Adviser (Media & Publicity) to President Goodluck Jonathan, Mr Robert Abati, a Geologist with Dangote Cement, Mr Ralph Abati, a banker with Fidelity Bank Plc and Mr Lanre Abati, an Economist & Chartered Accountant. She is also survived by her twin sister, Madam Victoria Kehinde Olude.

Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

Reuben Abati
For the family
May 23, 2013

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President Jonathan declares State of Emergency in Borno, Yobe & Adamawa States

‪
 
ADDRESS
BY
PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR

ON THE DECLARATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY IN BORNO, YOBE AND ADAMAWA STATES IN ORDER TO RESTORE PUBLIC ORDER, PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY IN THE AFFECTED STATES OF THE FEDERATION

MAY 14, 2013

Dear compatriots,

1.    It has become necessary for me to address you on the recent spate of terrorist activities and protracted security challenges in some parts of the country, particularly in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Kano, Plateau and most recently Bayelsa, Taraba, Benue and Nasarawa states.  These unfortunate events have led to needless loss of lives and property of many innocent Nigerians including members of our security forces. 

2.   The recent killing of security operatives by a cult group in Nasarawa state is particularly condemnable. I have directed that no effort or expense be spared in identifying and bringing to justice all those who had a hand in the killing of the operatives. 

3.   The activities of insurgents and terrorists have been reprehensible, causing fear among our citizens and a near-breakdown of law and order in parts of the country, especially the North. We have taken robust steps to unravel and address the root causes of these crises, but it would appear that there is a systematic effort by insurgents and terrorists to destabilize the Nigerian state and test our collective resolve. 

4.  Since I returned to the country after cutting short my visit to South Africa and aborting a planned state visit to Namibia, I have received detailed briefings from our security agencies. These briefings indicate that what we are facing is not just militancy or criminality, but a rebellion and insurgency by terrorist groups which pose a very serious threat to national unity and territorial integrity. Already, some northern parts of Borno state have been taken over by groups whose allegiance is to different flags and ideologies. 

5.   These terrorists and insurgents seem determined to establish control and authority over parts of our beloved nation and to progressively overwhelm the rest of the country. In many places, they have destroyed the Nigerian flag and other symbols of state authority and in their place, hoisted strange flags suggesting the exercise of alternative sovereignty. 

6.  They have attacked government buildings and facilities. They have murdered innocent citizens and state officials. They have set houses ablaze, and taken women and children as hostages. These actions amount to a declaration of war and a deliberate attempt to undermine the authority of the Nigerian state and threaten her territorial integrity. As a responsible government, we will not tolerate this. 

7.  Previously, we adopted a multi-track approach to the resolution of this problem through actions which included persuasion, dialogue and widespread consultation with the political, religious and community leaders in the affected states. 

8.  We exercised restraint to allow for all efforts by both State Governors and well-meaning Nigerians to stop the repeated cases of mindless violence. 

9.  Yet, the insurgents and terrorists seek to prevent government from fulfilling its constitutional obligations to the people as they pursue their fanatical agenda of mayhem, mass murder, division and separatism. 

10.      While the efforts at persuasion and dialogue will continue, let me reiterate that we have a sacred duty to ensure the security and well-being of all our people and protect the sovereign integrity of our country. Therefore, we shall, on no account, shy away from doing whatever becomes necessary to provide the fullest possible security for the citizens of this country in any part of the country they choose to reside. 

11.    We have a duty to stand firm against those who threaten the sovereign integrity of the Nigerian state. Our will is strong, because our faith lies in the indivisibility of Nigeria. 

12.    Following recent developments in the affected states, it has become necessary for Government to take extraordinary measures to restore normalcy. After wide consultations, and in exercise of the powers conferred on me by the provisions of Section 305, sub-section 1 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, I hereby declare a State of Emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states. 

13.      Accordingly, the Chief of Defence Staff has been directed to immediately deploy more troops to these states for more effective internal security operations. The troops and other security agencies involved in these operations have orders to take all necessary action, within the ambit of their rules of engagement, to put an end to the impunity of insurgents and terrorists. 

14.     This will include the authority to arrest and detain suspects, the taking of possession and control of any building or structure used for terrorist purposes, the lock-down of any area of terrorist operation, the conduct of searches, and the apprehension of persons in illegal possession of weapons. 

15.    The details of this Proclamation will be transmitted to the National Assembly in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. But in the meantime, let me make it clear that within the purview of this Proclamation, the Governors and other political office holders in the affected states will continue to discharge their constitutional responsibilities. 

16.    I urge the political leadership in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states to co-operate maximally with the Armed Forces and the Police to ensure that the exercise succeeds. We call on the citizenry to co-operate with our security agencies to ensure a return to normalcy within the shortest possible time. 

17.        I am again approaching our neighbouring countries, through diplomatic channels, as done in the recent past, for their co-operation in apprehending any terrorist elements that may escape across the border. 

18.      Nigerians are peace-loving people; these sad events perpetrated by those who do not wish our nation well have not changed the essential character of our people.  

19.                      I want to reassure you all that those who are directly or indirectly encouraging any form of rebellion against the Nigerian state, and their collaborators; those insurgents and terrorists who take delight in killing our security operatives, whoever they may be, wherever they may go, we will hunt them down, we will fish them out, and we will bring them to justice. No matter what it takes, we will win this war against terror. 

20.                    I am convinced that with your support and prayers, we shall overcome these challenges and together, we will restore every part of our country to the path of peace, growth and development. 

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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PRESIDENT JONATHAN TO ADDRESS THE NATION TONIGHT

President Goodluck Jonathan will address the nation at 1900 Hours tonight on the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and Voice of Nigeria (VON).

All other television and radio stations in the country may hook up to NTA and FRCN to relay the President's address for the benefit of their viewers and listeners.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
May 14, 2013
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PRESIDENT JONATHAN ABORTS STATE VISIT TO NAMIBIA, RETURNS HOME TO DEAL WITH SECURITY CHALLENGES

In view of recent developments at home in Nigeria, President Goodluck Jonathan has cut short his visit to South Africa and aborted his state visit to Namibia which was due to start today.

The President is returning to Abuja immediately to personally oversee efforts by national security agencies to contain the fresh challenges to national security which have emerged this week in Borno, Plateau and Nassarawa States.

President Jonathan will on arrival, meet with the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and heads of national security services on arrival to review the security situation in the country.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
May 9, 2013
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