Reuben Abati Never Betrayed Me - Kayode Ajala

REUBEN ABATI NEVER BETRAYED ME! – KAYODE AJALA

Ever since my very good friend and brother, Dr Reuben Abati was appointed as the Special Adviser, Media, to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, I've had to contend with a number of issues concerning my relationship with him. Issues which, I must say, I consider quite unsavoury. The most disturbing of such issues is the one which postulates that Reuben Abati is a traitor, a betrayer and one who abandoned his friends immediately after he got the plum job at the Presidency. I was often singled out for mention as one of those betrayed by the former presidential spokesman.
My initial reaction was to simply ignore this falsehood, believing that it was just another tale that would blow away without causing any harm. But lately, I began to have a rethink, especially when I read a story in an online platform stating categorically that Reuben had shamelessly betrayed me and Ovation Publisher, Dele Momodu. And you know, when a lie is repeated over and over without being challenged, it soon begins to sound like the truth.
To start with, I do not remember complaining to anyone, living or dead, that Reuben had ever betrayed me in one way or the other. Never! It's true that society has expectations. I recall that no sooner had Reuben Abati been announced as the presidential spokesman than my phones began to ring none stop. And I couldn't help but wonder as to why I was getting all the attention that I got at that time. Those who knew of my closeness to Reuben called me, those who didn't even know but who heard from somebody who also heard from somebody called me; those who had never called me sought out my phone number and called me up. My phones rang endlessly. What were they all calling me for?
Well, my friend Reuben had gotten a job at the Presidency of Nigeria where the 'only thing they do is share money in different currencies of the world', so they were all calling to congratulate me. Some even went as far as saying that it was my time to 'chop and clean mouth,' after all, my friend had been appointed and it was certain that he would put me in his portfolio and sneak me into Aso Rock. Others came up with different proposals as to how Reuben and I could become billionaires within months. For me, it was quite amusing. I listened, I smiled and I kept my cool while praying for the success of Reuben Abati on this serious national assignment.
Predictably, when days turned into weeks and weeks into months and months into years and the foregoing expectation did not turn into reality, the rumour mills went agog. The same set of people who called me up to congratulate me (as if I was the one appointed) when Reuben got the appointment, turned around to begin to spread stories of condemnation and bitterness. They became overnight historians, reminding me of so many things that they actually know nothing about.
According to them, I was the one who brought Reuben to Lagos, took him to Dr Ibe Kachikwu (Hints magazine publisher now N.N.P.C. Group Managing Director) and helped him to get a column at Hints. I was also the one who accommodated him for years before he found his feet and bla, bla, bla. They wanted me to be angry with Reuben, they wanted me to be bitter with him but even as they spoke, my indifference was clear.
What they probably forgot to add was that I was also the one who married a wife for Reuben, I was the one who helped him to sleep with his wife to bear all the children they have, I was also the one who bought him his first car and built his first house for him, I was the one who got him a job at the Guardian and even helped him to make a success of his career. Yes! I was the one who instructed President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to appoint Abati as presidential spokesman. Arrant nonsense!!!
Now, I need to tell them what they don't know about Reuben Abati and I. Reuben and I enjoy a relationship that dates back to a time that both of us can hardly remember. But I do remember that we were kids when we first met. His parents' house at Abeokuta was not too far from mine. And the secondary schools we attended at Abeokuta were just a stone throw from each other. As secondary school students, Reuben and I belonged to the Literary and Debating Society of our different schools and whenever the schools had a contest, Reuben and I would lead the debating teams against each other.
When I wrote my first degree project in 1986, it was to Reuben that I reached out for help when the whole thing became too complicated for me. When I got married in 1992, Reuben Abati was my Best man. When he got married later in the same year, I was the Best man. His first son, Funlade, who is now a Lawyer, shares the same birthdate of February 21st with me. His late father was my father. My late father was his father as well. After his wedding in 1992, it was to my late father that we went, straight from the venue of the wedding, for blessings.
I recall one night when Reuben and I sat on the bed with his aged father and the old man spent hours advising us and telling us that no matter what happens, we must remain brothers and friends. I recall other times when we would sit with my own father and he would shower prayers on us…Reuben Abati and I have come a long way. Even now, there are things that Reuben and I have shared that remain our closely guarded secret, between just the two of us! My relationship with Reuben Abati transcends what I can get out of him or what he can get out of me.
Having said that, if I need to reach out to him for any form of assistance, I would not think twice before doing so ditto for him! Unlike what was written in the online report, we are still very much in touch. He, it was who sent me the link of the story written about us, in that online medium. Just a few days back, I called him concerning the plan of some ex Hints staff to honour our former boss, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, who had just been appointed as Group Managing Director of N.N.P.C. A couple of years back, I fell quite ill and it was my friend who picked up the hospital bill. When my last child was born a few years back, Abati was there for my family. Recently, I reached out to him on a pressing issue and he responded with alacrity… So please, let the tales stop. Reuben Abati has never betrayed me and I don't even see that ever happening.
True, there has been a groundswell of resentment and condemnation against Reuben Abati since he took the appointment under President Jonathan. Many can simply not come to terms with the reality that a man who'd been seen as the voice of the masses could turn around to join the establishment. Reuben's plight, methinks, stems from the resentment against the Jonathan government. How does one function as the spokesman of such a President without receiving a backlash? Perhaps if Reuben's appointment had come under President Buhari, the heat wouldn't have been this intense…Who knows?
I know that there have been cases of favour seekers, sycophants and bootlickers who have gone to Reuben to bad mouth me because they believe that is the most effective way to get favours from him. Such people have come to me too, to badmouth him. They shuttle between the two of us driven by the pangs of hunger in their stomachs. But I tell you; between Reuben Abati and I that strategy won't work…It just can't work. Reuben Abati has never betrayed me!
kayodeajala@yahoo.co.uk

The Phones no Longer Ring by Reuben Abati

The Phones no Longer Ring by Reuben Abati

As spokesman to President Goodluck Jonathan, my phones rang endlessly and became more than personal navigators within the social space. They defined my entire life; dusk to dawn, all year-round. The phones buzzed non-stop, my email was permanently active; my twitter account received tons of messages per second.  The worst moments were those days when there was a Boko Haram attack virtually every Sunday.

     The intrusion into my private life was total as my wife complained about her sleep being disrupted by phones that never seemed to stop ringing. Besides, whenever I was not checking or responding to the phones, I was busy online trying to find out if the APC had said something contrarian or some other fellow was up to any mischief. A media manager in the 21st century is a slave of the Breaking News, a slave particularly of the 24-hour news cycle, and a potential nervous breakdown case. Debo Adesina, my colleague at The Guardian once said I was running a "one week, one trouble schedule". There were actually moments when trouble knocked on the door every hour, and duty required my team and I to respond to as many issues that came up.

   Top of the task list was the management of phone calls related to the principal. In my first week on the job, for example, one of my phones ran out of battery and I had taken the liberty to charge it. While it was still in the off mode, the "Control Room": the all-powerful communications centre at the State House tried to reach me. They had only just that phone number, so I couldn't be reached. When eventually they did, the fellow at the other end was livid.

"SA Media, where are you? We have been trying to reach you. Mr President wants to speak with you"

"Sorry, I was charging my phone.  The phone was off."

"Sir, you can't switch off your phone now.  Mr President must be able to reach you at any time. You must always be available."  I was like: "really? Which kin job be dis?"

The Control Room eventually collected all my phone numbers. If I did not pick up a call on time, they called my wife. Sometimes the calls came directly from the Residence, as we referred to the President's official quarters.

"Abati, Oga dey call you!"

If I still could not be reached, every phone that was ever connected to me would ring non-stop. Busy bodies who had just picked up the information that Abati was needed also often took it upon themselves to track me down. My wife soon got used to her being asked to produce me, or a car showing up to take me straight to the Residence. I eventually got used to it, and learnt to remain on duty round-the-clock.  In due course, President Jonathan himself would call directly. My wife used to joke that each time there was a call from him, even if I was sleeping, I would spring to my feet and without listening to what he had to say, I would start with a barrage of "Yes sirs"! Other calls that could not be joked with were calls from my own office. Something could come up that would require coverage, or there could be a breaking story, or it could be something as harmless as office gossip, except that in the corridors of power, nothing is ever harmless. Looking back now, I still can't figure out how I survived that onslaught of the terror of the telephone.

     Of equal significance were the calls from journalists who wanted clarifications on issues of the moment, or the President's opinion on every issue. I don't need to remind anyone who lived in Nigeria during the period, that we had a particularly interesting time. The Jonathan government had to deal from the very first day with a desperate and hyper-negative opposition, which gained help from a crowd of naysayers who bought into their narrative. I was required to respond to issues. Bad news sells newspapers and attracts listeners/viewers. Everything had to be managed.  You knew something had happened as the phones rang, and the text messages, emails, twitter comments poured in. The media could not be ignored. Interfacing with every kind of journalist was my main task.  I learnt many lessons,  a subject for another day.  And the busy bodies didn't make things easy.

      If in 1980, the media manager had to deal with print and broadcast journalists, today, the big task is the dilemma of the over-democratization of media practice in the age of information. The question used to be asked in Nigerian media circles: who is a journalist? Attempts were subsequently made to produce a register of professionals but that is now clearly an illusion. The media of the 21st Century is the strongest evidence we have for the triumph of democracy. Everybody is a journalist now, once you can purchase a phone or a laptop, or an ipad and you can take pictures, set up a blog, or go on instagram, linked-in, viber etc.

     All kinds of persons have earned great reputation as editors and opinion influencers on social media where you don't have to make sense to attract followers. The new stars and celebrities are not necessarily the most educated or knowledgeable, but those who with 140 words or less, or with a picture or a borrowed quote,  can produce fast-food type public intellectualism, or can excite with a little display of the exotic -Kadarshian, Nicki Minaj style.  But I was obligated to attend to all calls. The ones who didn't receive an answer complained about Abati not picking their calls.

     My defence was that most editors in Nigeria have correspondents in the State House. Every correspondent had access to me. There was no way I could be accused of not picking calls, and in any case, there were other channels: instagram, twitter direct message, email, and media assistants who could interface with me. But this was the main challenge: while in public office, people treat you as if you are at their mercy, they threaten to sabotage you and get you sacked, every phone call was a request with a price attached, you get clobbered; you are treated like you had committed a crime to serve your nation. Relatives and privileged kinsmen struggled with you to do the job - media management is that one assignment in which everyone is an expert even if their only claim to relevance is that they once had an uncle who was a newspaper vendor!

      The thinking that anyone who opts to serve is there to make money in that famous arena for primitive accumulation partly accounts for this. And that takes me to those phone calls from persons who solicited for financial help as if there was a tree at the Villa that produced money. Such people would never believe that government officials don't necessarily have access to money. They wanted to be assisted: to pay school fees, to settle medical bills, to build a house, purchase a car, complete an uncompleted building, or link them up with the President. Everybody wanted a part of the national cake and they thought a phone call was all they needed.  If you offered any explanation, they reminded you that you'd be better off on the lecture circuit. Businessmen also hovered around the system like bees around nectar.   

       But what to do? "Volenti non fit injuria," the principle says.  There were also calls from the unkind lot. "I have called you repeatedly, you did not pick my calls. I hope you know that you will leave government one day!".  Or those who told you point blank that they were calling because you were in the position as their representative and that you owed them a living.  Or that other crowd who said, "it is our brother that has given you that opportunity, you must give us our share."

       The Presidential election went as it did, and everything changed. Days after,  State House became Ghost House. The Residence, which used to receive visitors as early as 6 am, (regular early morning devotion attendees) became quiet. The throng of visitors stopped. The number of phone calls began to drop. By May 29, my phones had stopped ringing as they used to. They more or less became museum pieces; their silence reminding me of the four years of my life that proved so momentous. On one occasion, after a whole day of silence, I had to check if the phones were damaged! As it were, a cynical public relates to you not as a person, but as the office you occupy; the moment you leave office, the people move on; erasing every memory, they throw you into yesterday's dustbin.  Opportunism is the driver of the public's relationship with public officials.

      Today, the phones remain loudly silent, with the exception of calls from those friends who are not gloating, who have been offering words of commendation and support. They include childhood friends, former colleagues, elderly associates, fans, and family members. And those who want interviews with President Jonathan, both local and international - they want his reaction on every development, so many of them from every part of the planet. But he is resting and he has asked me to say he is not ready yet to say anything. It is truly, a different moment, and indeed, "no condition is permanent." The ones who won't give up with the stream of phone calls and text messages are those who keep pestering me with requests for financial assistance. I am made to understand that there is something called "special handshake" and that everyone who goes into government is supposed to exit with carton loads of cash. I am in no position to assist such people, because no explanation will make sense to them. Here I am, at the crossroads; I am glad to be here.  

- See more at: http://www.reubenabati.com.ng/2015-07-25-The-phones-no-longer-ring-By-Reuben-Abati.html#.dpuf

PHOTOS: G7 SUMMIT IN GERMANY

PIX 1: FROM LEFT: UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY GENERAL, MR BANKI MOON; PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI AND FOREIGN MINISTER OF GERMANY, MR FRANK-WALTER STEINMEIER AT A COCKTAIL RECEPTION FOR HEADS OF STATES AND GOVERNMENTS PARTICIPATING AT THE G7 SUMMIT IN MUNICH, GERMANY ON SUNDAY 7 JUNE, 2015

PIX 2: PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI WITH OTHER HEADS OF STATES AND GOVERNMENTS

PARTICIPATING AT THE G7 SUMMIT IN MUNICH, GERMANY ON SUNDAY 8 JUNE, 2015

PIX 3: PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI (R) ARRIVING MUNICH, GERMANY FOR THE G7 SUMMIT, ON SUNDAY 9 JUNE, 2015

PIX 4: PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI (R) RECEIVING BOUQUET OF FLOWER FROM CHILDREN ON HIS ARRIVING IN MUNICH, GERMANY FOR THE G7 SUMMIT, ON SUNDAY 10 JUNE, 2015

PIX 5: PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI BEING WELCOMED BY MINISTER /PRESIDENT OF THE STATE OF BAVARIA, MR HORST SEEHOFER 11 JUNE, 2015

NIGERIAN ARMY STILL CAPABLE OF ROUTING BOKO HARAM - BUHARI

​NIGERIAN ARMY STILL CAPABLE OF ROUTING BOKO HARAM -- BUHARI

President Muhammadu Buhari Wednesday in Niamey, Niger Republic, expressed confidence in ability of the Nigerian military to overcome and eradicate Boko Haram.

Speaking at  an interactive session with journalists after  talks with President Issoufou Mahamadou of Niger, President Buhari declared  that  the Nigerian Army which has  earned a good reputation across the world, remains a virile fighting force.

"I am four days in office today and we have already started the process of ending the insurgency," the President said.

He disclosed that in the course of the over five hours meeting he held with heads of Nigeria's Armed Forces and Security Agencies yesterday, on-going operations against Boko Haram were reviewed for better results.

President Buhari said that because of the  peculiarities of terrorism, the   movement of terrorists across borders and the unconventional nature of the war against terror,  Nigeria will continue to seek the support of neighbouring countries in its bid to overcome Boko Haram.

The President said that his visit to Niger was to seek more support from the country in bringing a quick end to  the atrocities of Boko Haram.

President Buhari said he would hold similar meetings on security and the war against terrorism with the  Chadian authorities after leaving Niamey on Thursday.

The President  said Nigeria would also require the assistance of other nations and multi-lateral institutions to rebuild areas  that have been adversely affected by the Boko Haram insurgency and rehabilitate displaced persons.

In his remarks, the President of Niger commended President Buhari for making Niger the first country he will visit after his inauguration.

"Your decision to move the military command of Nigeria to the North East has further strengthened our conviction that the war against terrorism will soon come to an end," he told President Buhari, while assuring him that Niger will continue to support Nigeria in the fight against Boko Haram.

At the opening of bilateral talks between Nigeria and Niger earlier, President Buhari praised his hosts' contributions to the on-going multi-national effort against terrorism, insurgency and cross-border crimes.

"Permit me also to acknowledge the consistency with which the government and people of Niger Republic have stood beside Nigeria under all circumstances. I would like to convey the appreciation of Nigeria for the sacrifices by Niger in the on-going efforts to counter the menace of the Boko Haram insurgency.

"Niger Republic has over the years, proven to be a reliable ally to Nigeria both at bilateral and multilateral levels. It is our hope and aspiration that this special relationship would be further consolidated during my administration.

"My administration will bring new impetus and a renewed commitment to the efforts to wipe out the menace of the Boko Haram insurgents. As a first step, we have directed the relocation of the command post of the counter-insurgency operations to Maiduguri until such a time that the insurgency is completely defeated.

"Another issue of concern to us which is closely associated with the insurgency in the region is the influx of refugees and other displaced persons. We are aware that currently, there are over one hundred and fifty thousand displaced persons comprising refugees and returnees taking refuge in various parts of Niger.

"Our administration will work closely with governments of the affected States to continue to provide humanitarian assistance to the displaced persons and their host communities.

"The ultimate objective however, remains to end the insurgency and facilitate their return to their homes," President Buhari said.

Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant  to the President
(Media and Publicity)
June 3, 2015

PRESIDENT JONATHAN'S HAND OVER NOTES TO PRESIDENT-ELECT MUHAMMADU BUHARI

REMARKS BY

HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR,

ON THE OCCASION OF THE PRESENTATION OF HAND OVER NOTES

TO THE PRESIDENT-ELECT,

MUHAMMADU BUHARI, GCFR

THURSDAY, 28^TH MAY, 2015

PROTOCOLS

1.     I welcome you all to this occasion of the formal presentation of the Hand-over notes of my Administration to the in-coming Administration of the President-Elect, General Muhammadu Buhari.

2.   This event and tomorrow's inauguration of a new administration are truly historic as it is the first time in the history of our nation that we are witnessing the democratic and orderly transfer of power at the Federal level from one political party to another.

3.   The Hand-over notes which we now present, contain the governance philosophy, strategies, policies, programmes and activities of my Administration for the period - 2011-2015. Also to be found in the notes are the objectives, targets and implementation strategies, achievements and challenges of our key policies, schemes, initiatives as well as the status of commitments and liabilities of the various MDAs.

4.   As we hand over the affairs of the nation, it is appropriate to recall that at inception, in May 2011, we committed ourselves to consolidating national unity through democratization and good governance. Our assessment then, and our firm belief ever since, is that the unity of Nigeria, the security, well-being, greater freedoms and opportunities for all citizens must remain the primary objectives of government.

5.    The Agenda for National Transformation which we did our best to implement consisted of clear and consistent governance strategies, policies, plans, programmes and projects, in all facets of our national life. Emphasis was placed on human and state security, democratization, sound economic management, as well as structural and institutional reforms.

6.   Our foremost concern was the unity of Nigeria.  In keeping with that concern, we engineered a process that began with a review of issues outstanding from previous Constitutional Conferences by the Belgore Committee. After that, we widened political consultations through a National Dialogue that was orchestrated through the Okurounmu Committee. These culminated in the all-inclusive National Conference which unanimously reaffirmed that Nigeria must remain united and indivisible.

7.    The Conference also made resolutions and recommendations for serious constitutional, political and governance reforms, which we have forwarded to the National Assembly for appropriate legislative action. It is our hope that the incoming Government will accord the Report of the National Conference the very high priority that it deserves, as a genuine expression of the will of our people.

8.   The recognition that the starting point for good governance is the legitimacy of the government itself informed our commitment to promoting free and fair elections.

9.   It also motivated innovations in the management and conduct of elections which we undertook. Hopefully, in the years ahead, those innovations will be properly and fully implemented so that Nigerians will be even more assured of the integrity of the electoral system and the legitimacy of any government that it produces.

10.   To strengthen the social contract between the government and the governed, we institutionalized the rule of law as well as the independence of the legislature and the judiciary. We also promoted group and individual freedoms. As a result, there is vast expansion in democratic, social and economic space for all citizens.

11.  Our nation and citizens faced many new challenges over the past four years but the greatest was the vastly increased menace of Boko Haram with their mindless terror, mass killings, utter ruthlessness, kidnapping of innocent children and other unspeakable acts of brutality.

12. We should all remember that Boko Haram's emergence predated our administration going as far back as 2002. The group however became extremely malignant with the killing of its leader, Mohammed Yusuf in July 2009.

13.   It therefore became an urgent task for us to effectively confront the great threat Boko Haram posed to the security and well-being of our people. To do so, we overhauled and virtually reinvented our security architecture to confront Boko Haram and its insurgency. We re-organized our security apparatus. We re-equipped and fully motivated our forces.

14.   Victory is now in sight and within our reach. However, the cost in blood of citizens and heroes; and the diversion of national treasure from urgent needs for development have been very high. While more than 500 women and children have been rescued from the clutches of Boko Haram thus far by our security forces, it remains my sincere hope and prayer that our beloved daughters from Chibok will soon be reunited with us.

15.  I wish to thank the Nigerian people for their resilience and patience. I also wish to pay very special and personal tribute to all the men and women of our valiant armed forces and security agencies. Their sacrifice and dedication have brought us thus far.

16.  While striving to overcome our national security challenges, we still gave necessary attention to economic development. Our goal was to achieve long-term economic growth and stability, improve the quality and quantum of infrastructure and enhance human capital development.

17.  Our financial system reforms included the Treasury Single Account [TSA] that unified the structure of government accounts for all MDAs and thereby brought order to cash flow management; and Government Integrated Financial Management Information System [GIFMIS] was introduced to plug leakages and waste of resources. The Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System [IPPIS] weeded out 60,450 ghost workers in 359 out of 425 MDAs, yielding N185.4 billionin savings to the Federal government. 

18.   Improved Revenue Mobilization was achieved through improvements in the laws and compliance measures. In 2013 alone, these measures resulted in a 69% rise in Federal tax revenues from N2.8 trillion to N4.8 trillion. Also, Waiver Policy and Trade Facilitation were reformed to create a more rational regime. Our emphasis shifted to granting waivers to specific sectors instead of individual companies and the Sovereign Wealth Fund was established to provide stabilization from external shocks, provide funding for critical infrastructure and savings for future generations.

19.   Our Financial Sector reforms addressed the issues of inefficiencies in the coordination and monitoring of the financial system. Our policies promoted transparency, better risk management, new banking models and payment systems. We established the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria as a resolution mechanism for toxic banking assets. We strengthened banking supervision and enhanced public confidence in Nigerian Bank​.​

20.   Similarly, we undertook innovative reforms for job creation and repositioned the manufacturing, agriculture and housing sectors. Specifically, it was observed that over the years, job creation did not keep pace with economic growth. Thus unemployment, especially amongst the youth was assuming alarming dimensions.

21.  To address this, my administration made job creation a key consideration for all programmes in the Transformation Agenda. Emphasis was also shifted towards empowering youths to become entrepreneurs rather than job seekers, through such initiatives as Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria (YOU-WIN), Graduate Internship Scheme (GIS), the SURE-P Technical Vocational Education and Training Programme (TVET) and the Youth Employment in Agriculture Programme (YEAP).

22.  Manufacturing in Nigeria faces many challenges, including poor power supply, high cost of input, high cost of doing business, multiple taxation, poor infrastructure and lack of synergy with the labour market.  To address these problems, we launched several programmes and initiatives including the National Industrial Revolution Plan and a new National Automobile Policy designed to boost domestic car production and expand existing capacity. Since then, five new private vehicle assembly plants have been established.

23.   Agriculture is critical to national survival and yet the sector was besieged with many problems. By year 2010, Nigeria was the second largest importer of food in the world, spending about N1.3 trillion on the importation of fish, rice and sugar alone.

24.   The reforms we introduced in agriculture dramatically increased local production of staple food and saved us vast amounts of money that we would have spent on the importation of food items. 

25.   To address the glaring inadequacy of critical national infrastructure, we focused on the Power Sector, Roads, Railways, Aviation, Ports and Harbours as well as on Water and Sanitation, Information and Communication Technology.

26.       My government introduced the Power Sector Roadmap in 2010.  Since then, we have privatized the generation and distribution aspects in a most transparent process. Obstacles to the private sector investments in power supply were removed and we developed cost effective electricity tariff to make the sector more attractive. It remains our hope that the successor companies to PHCN and also the private sector will step forward with the necessary investment to make the power reform work.

27.        The major challenge in the road sector in Nigeria is the high cost of building roads and it continues to rise. The other challenge is the fact that because of regular use, roads are one of the fastest depreciating assets in developing countries.

28.       To address this, Government has developed the required legal and regulatory framework and created opportunities for Private Public Partnership (PPP) in road construction and maintenance.

29.       From Ore/Benin Road, Lagos/Ibadan Expressway to the Kano/Maiduguri dualisation projects, we made concerted efforts to address age-long problems of delays in construction, design defect, neglect and ineffective maintenance. The construction of the historic Second Niger Bridge has also commenced, and on completion, it will open new and far-reaching opportunities for greater trade and interaction among our people.

30.       In the Aviation Sector, our government developed a Master Plan to institutionalise safety and security, and to develop infrastructure at the airports and local airlines. We embarked on the reconstruction and rehabilitation of 22 airports nationwide. Construction work on five new international terminals in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano and Enugu are also on-going.

31.         There has been a revolution in rail transportation. We rehabilitated the old narrow gauge network and ensured that it has served our people steadily for three years running with new coaches and improved expanded services nationwide.

32.        We are in the construction stages of a new national network for standard gauge speed-train services, with the new rail line segment, from Abuja to Kaduna, successfully completed. In addition, we have initiated the process for the construction of an ultramodern coastal rail line that will run from Lagos to Calabar, with a link to Onitsha.

33.        We have also successfully completed the dredging of River Niger, from Warri in Delta State to Baro in Niger State, and completed construction works for the Onitsha River Port. Other River Ports at Baro, Lokoja and Oguta, are at advanced construction stages. Working with the states and development partners, we have facilitated the process towards the development of two new deep sea ports at Lekki in Lagos, and Ibaka in Akwa Ibom. We have also implemented reforms to streamline the clearing regime in existing ports, increasing cargo turnover time and easing business for all users.

34.         In the oil and gas sector, our local content policy has continued to empower Nigerian companies, particularly in technical and engineering projects. The Gas Revolution Industrial Park in Delta State is unprecedented in the sub​-​sector, and will not only deliver Africa's biggest industrial park, but all the accompanying benefits to local industry and job creation.

35.        We recognized Human Capital as the most important agent for transformational development. Our reforms in this sector focused on Health, Education and Social Development and also on Women and Youth Empowerment and Social Safety Nets.

36.       In the Health sector, the comprehensive National Strategic Health Development Plan (NSHDP) of 2011 laid the foundation for widening access and improving the quality of healthcare with lower infant mortality rates and higher life expectancy for the populace.  Our effective curtailment of the Ebola epidemic has continued to receive worldwide acclaim as an example in prompt and effective national disease management. On our watch, guinea-worm has been eradicated from Nigeria and we are on the verge of wiping out polio entirely.

37.          In the Education sector, our objectives are clear and precise. They emphasise expansion of access and the upgrade of quality. I am proud that we have widened access by establishing 18 more Federal Universities and other specialized polytechnics. We strengthened TETFUND and used it to boldly address the problems of inadequate infrastructure in the existing institutions.

38.         I am particularly proud of our efforts with regards to Early Childhood Education and Out-of-School Children. We provided modern hybrid Almajiri Education Programme in the North, attended to schooling needs of boys in the South-East and ensured the construction of special girls' schools in 13 States of the Federation to improve girl-child education. We expanded opportunities for open and distance learning and provided scholarships at all levels to help improve access to quality education for bright and promising Nigerians.

39.         We have promoted gender-mainstreaming with commensurate priority and opportunities for our womenfolk, beginning with ensuring that not less than 30 per cent of key Federal appointments go to women. Other initiatives that we have taken include: the National Gender Policy, Establishment of Gender Units in Federal MDAs, Women Empowerment Training Programmes, Micro-Credit for Women, Social Safety Net Programmes and the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) Scheme.

40.         My Administration has emphasized giving a free hand to our Anti-corruption agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC). We preferred that they mature into strong institutions instead of being the images, the hammer and the anvil of a strong man. We must encourage them to abide by the rule of law and due process instead of resorting to dramatic or illegal actions orchestrated for cheap applause.
​
41.           Beyond the very impressive records of enhanced convictions by statutory anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC and ICPC, our other strategy has been to fashion economic policies that deliver higher deterrence and frustrate concealment. In this regard, the Bureau of Public Procurement has played a central role and impacted strongly on the fight against corruption.

42.         In Sports, we have improved our national performance in team and individual events. The disappointment of not qualifying to defend our African Football Championship was cushioned by a decent FIFA World Cup appearance, an Under-17 World Cup win in addition to other victories in other international football tournaments and the Paralympics. We have also encouraged excellence in other sports, apart from football, resulting in exceptional performance in international sporting events, especially in athletics.

43.         Our foreign policy position remains strong. In October 2013, Nigeria was elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the second time on our watch. Our country had only served in that capacity thrice before 2011, since independence in 1960. Our Administration also played a leading role in the resolution of security and political challenges in our sub-region, particularly in Niger, Cote D'Ivoire, Mali, Guinea-Bissau and Burkina Faso.

44.         In addition, we increased engagement with Nigerians in the diaspora who contribute so much in remittances to their fatherland. Our Administration successfully encouraged more of them to invest in Nigeria and others to return home and join in the task of nation-building.

45.          In summary, Your Excellency, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, our administration has done its best to intervene robustly and impact positively on key aspects of our national life.

46.         There is no doubt that challenges still abound, but they are surmountable and overwhelming national transformation remains realisable, with continuity, commitment and consistency.

47.          Nigeria is blessed with citizens that will always remain faithful, firmly committed to national unity, accelerated political, social and economic development.

48.         As we hand over the reins of government, I believe that our nation is secure, our democracy is stable, and the future is bright. Let us all work together, and with greater resolve, continue to build a stronger and more prosperous nation.

49.         May God Almighty continue to bless our dear country, Nigeria.

50.         I thank you all.

PRESIDENT JONATHAN CONDOLES OBASANJO ON PASSING AWAY OF SISTER

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT JONATHAN CONDOLES OBASANJO ON PASSING AWAY OF SISTER

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan commiserates with the former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on the passing away of his younger sister, Madam Adunni Oluniola Eweje-Obasanjo.

The President joins Chief Obasanjo and his family in mourning the late Madam Eweje-Obasanjo who passed away recently at the age of 76.

As they mourn her, President Jonathan urges Chief Obasanjo and his family to be consoled by the knowledge that his late sister lived a worthy and very fulfilled life in the service of her family and community.

The President prays that God will grant Chief Obasanjo and his family the fortitude to bear the loss of Madam Eweje-Obasanjo.

He similarly prays that God will receive Madam Eweje-Obasanjo's soul and grant her eternal rest.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
May 26, 2015

TRIBUTE TO PRESIDENT JONATHAN BY ECOWAS HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT

TRIBUTE TO PRESIDENT JONATHAN BY
THE AUTHORITY OF ECOWAS HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT PRESENTED AT THE 47^TH ORDINARY SESSION, ACCRA, GHANA.
19^TH MAY,2015

I am reading this on behalf of the
​Heads of ​State and Government of ECOWAS, at our 47^th meeting in Accra.

We pay a vibrant tribute to His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for the determination he demonstrated during his tenure as Head of State and for all the necessary reforms for the development of his Country.

We wish to express our profound gratitude for his outstanding contribution to ​the ​deepening of the integration process in West Africa and the preservation of Peace and Security in our Region, particularly in the qualities he demonstrated as Chairman of ECOWAS and Chairman of the regional contact group on Guinea Bissau and as Co-mediator in the Malian crisis.

Futhermore, we wish to express our warmest congratulations for his exemplary democratic behavior expected of a Statesman that contributed in a decisive way to the maintenance of peace that followed the​declaration​ of results of the presidential election in Nigeria.  We the​​ ECOWAS Heads of state and government hereby express our goodwill to President Goodluck Jonathan for all his future undertakings at the end of his noble mission as the head of his country.

Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State
and Government.
Accra, Ghana
May 19, 2015

PRESIDENT JONATHAN'S ADDRESS TO 47TH ECOWAS SESSION IN ACCRA GHANA

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN'S ADDRESS TO THE 47^THORDINARY SESSION OF AUTHORITY OF HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT OF ECOWAS IN ACCRA, GHANA, MAY 19, 2015.

Your Excellency, President John Dramani Mahama,

President of the Republic of Ghana, and Chairman of the

Authority of Heads of State and Government;

Your Excellencies, Brother Heads of State and Government;

Your Excellency, the President of the ECOWAS Commission;

Honourable Ministers;

ECOWAS Commissioners

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen;

Mr. Chairman,

      I must start this brief remark by expressing my profound appreciation to you, the Government and People of Ghana for the warm reception accorded me and my delegation since our arrival here in Accra.  The traditionally warm hospitality that has been extended, inspires admiration of the brotherly people of Ghana.  It also certainly underscores the committed, forthright and exemplary leadership that you have personally offered our sub-region since assuming the Chairmanship of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

PRESIDENT JONATHAN APPOINTS HASSAN-BABA NEW SECRETARY, NIGERIAN INVESTMENT PROMOTION COMMISSION

PRESIDENT JONATHAN APPOINTS HASSAN-BABA NEW EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, NIGERIAN INVESTMENT PROMOTION COMMISSION

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has approved the appointment of Mrs. Uju Aisha Hassan-Baba, as the new Executive Secretary/Chief Executive of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC).

Mrs. Hassan-Baba takes over from Mrs. Saratu Altine Umar who has been relieved of her appointment as the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive of NIPC with immediate effect.

The new Executive Secretary/Chief Executive had served previously as Director-General, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice in Anambra State and Director, Legal Services, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.

President Jonathan thanks the out-going Executive Secretary/Chief Executive for her services and wishes her well in her future endeavours.

REUBEN ABATI
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
May 18, 2015  

PRESIDENT JONATHAN TO ATTEND ECOWAS SUMMIT IN ACCRA

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT JONATHAN TO ATTEND ECOWAS SUMMIT  IN ACCRA

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will leave Abuja tomorrow to attend the 47th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government holding in Accra, Ghana.

The summit, which coincides with the 40^thanniversary of ECOWAS, will receive reports on the current situation in Burkina Faso and Guinea Bissau and deliberate on issues of democratic consolidation and regional peace and stability.

President Jonathan will be accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Aminu Wali; House of Representatives Majority Leader, Hon. Mulikat Akande and some of his principal aides.

He is expected back in Abuja at the conclusion of the one-day summit.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
May 18, 2015