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Tag: Goodluck Jonathan

  • Kinsman to Jonathan: Declare or …

    Kinsman to Jonathan: Declare or …

    Prominent kinsman of President Goodluck Jonathan and erstwhile Security Adviser in Bayelsa State, Mr. Richard Kpodo, has asked the president to declare for reelection in 2015 or his kinsmen will be forced to do it for him.

    Kpodo also alleged that the spate of bombings and increased violence by Boko Haram were intended to stop the president from seeking reelection.

    Kpodo, who served under Jonathan’s administration in Bayelsa State, as Senior Special Assistant on Strategy and Policy Monitoring, said: “There is no better time for the president to declare than now.

    “We have studied elected presidents from the time of the Second Republic to the military and discovered that the style of administration of Goodluck Jonathan is unique. He has remained calm despite provocation and temptation.”

    He wondered why northern leaders have been at the forefront of attacking Jonathan’s administration after bungling many opportunities to develop the north in the past.

    Kpodo called on Jonathan to shun the antics of Boko Haram and its sponsors and declare his intention to run in 2015 without further delay.

  • Insurgency: An administration’s many flip-flops

    Insurgency: An administration’s many flip-flops

    There’s something very odd about the way the Federal Government under the leadership of President Goodluck Jonathan has been handling the Boko Haram insurgency that has paralysed some parts of the northern region of the country.

    Its positions shift with each new crisis. In most cases they appear to have been taken based on political expediency, only to be retracted not long after.

    One of the most common criticisms about Jonathan’s handling of the war against the killer sect is that he seems incapable of making up his mind as to the approach to be used in tackling what is now an obvious menace.

    Right from the very onset of the crisis it has been a tale of craven flip-flops. Here are some notable examples:

    Handling Boko Haram

    Flip: The Federal Government on April 27, 2014 speaking through the Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said the Boko Haram insurgency could be contained and insisted the country was not facing a wider conflict as it heads for elections next year.

    “There is no war … there is an insurgency. We are not in a Colombia situation,” she said.

    Flop: Few days later on the 28th of April, Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, said the problem was beyond Nigeria and urgent assistance may be needed to handle it before it is too late.

    “I think what we need is international cooperation from the French, from the French-speaking west African countries to work together to deal with this problem before it becomes a major problem for France, for western interests operating in west Africa,” he said.

    Classifying Boko Haram

    Flip: Early last year, the government loudly opposed a plan by the United States to classify Boko Haram a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO). Campaigns about Nigeria not being a terrorist state in spite of the presence of Boko Haram on its soil were mounted by government agencies locally and internationally.

    Flop: Last May 17, in far away France, President Goodluck Jonathan surprised many world leaders when he shifted his positions of many years and agreed with a point raised by French President François Hollande.

    “This group is armed, with heavy weapons of an unimaginable sophistication and the ability to use them,” Hollande had said.

    “Boko Haram is acting clearly as an al-Qaeda operation,” said Jonathan, who had only reluctantly accepted outside help after years of insisting the group was a local problem.

    Negotiating with Boko Haram

    Flip: President Goodluck Jonathan has said that the Federal Government is still open to constructive dialogue with the Boko Haram sect to end insurgency in the North East zone of the country.

    Flop: President Jonathan barely a week later, during a two-day visit to Borno and Yobe States, the group’s hotbed, had ruled out dialoguing or meeting with the group, saying they are “faceless.” “We will not dialogue with ghosts,” he said.

    Amnesty for Boko Haram

    Flip: Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Boni Haruna, last Thursday revealed that President Goodluck Jonathan has announced amnesty for members of the Boko Haram sect as part of his administration’s youths-friendly policies.

    Flop: Barely 24 hours after the Minister gleefully announced the amnesty deal President Jonathan’s spokesman said there will be no amnesty for the fighters.

    Given previous patterns we have definitely not heard the last about this matter.

  • Boko Haram: Carrot and stick approach best option, AANI tells Jonathan

    Boko Haram: Carrot and stick approach best option, AANI tells Jonathan

    The Alumni Association of National Institute for Strategic Policy (AANISPP) has advised President Goodluck Jonathan to adopt the carrot and stick approach to end the Boko Haram insurgency.

    Its President, Major General Lawrence Onoja (rtd), and the Secretary General, Issa Aremu, spoke with newsmen at the AANI Secretariat in Maitama, Abuja at the weekend.

    Onoja said Jonathan can apply the carrot and stick approach, particularly in the efforts to bring back the over 200 students of Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, abducted by the Boko Haram sect many weeks ago.

    He said: “Our position on this is that we need the combination of all the strategies; there is nothing wrong in using a dual approach -the carrot and stick.

    “I remember vividly that eveT in solving the problems of Israelis and the Lebanese, sometimes, prisoners were exchanged in order to restore peace.

    “All we want is peace and if there is anything the federal government can do, in addition to what it is already doing to bring peace and bring these children back to their parents will, be welcome.

    The former Military Administrator of Plateau and Katsina States emphasised that Jonathan must combine the strategy of constructive engagement with all stakeholders including traditional rulers.

    “This requires the cooperation of people as well as complimentary security delivery by the government,” he said.

    The association also visited victims of the Nyanya bombings in various hospitals and condemned the acts of terrorism across the country.

     

  • Chibok girls: Jonathan’s speech belated, says Melaye

    Chibok girls: Jonathan’s speech belated, says Melaye

    A former member of the House of Representatives, Dino Melaye, has said that President Goodluck Jonathan’s speech on rescue efforts for the abducted over 200 Chibok school is belated and pathetic.

    He said it was unfortunate it took over 40 days before the president could think of pulling resources together to rescue the girls.

    He spoke at the symposium organised by the #Bringbackourgirls protesters with the theme: Citizens, accountability and democracy.

    Melaye said: “His comment is not only belated but has demonstrated a high degree of insensitivity towards the missing girls.

    “To start with, the response of the federal government towards this satanic manifestation of Boko Haram came 19 days after the abduction.

    “It is laughable, myopic and porous. It does not show seriousness. For the president to make a comment forty- something days after giving powers to the military to go after the abductors is very laughable; it is a shame.”

    He went on:  “We have resulted to celestial means of bringing these girls back and that is why we are here. That is why we are praying and doing what we are doing.”

    On the attack against the group, the human right activist said: “The truth of the matter is it is a style of this government to confront violently any opinion that will expose their inadequacies.

    “What government did by hiring thugs on defenceless, harmless Nigerians is not new. The same methodology was applied during the Occupy Nigeria protest in 2012. So, it is already a known strategy.

    “What they want to do is weaken this group. To stop the media attention that #bringbackourgirls is generating. But honestly speaking, we are not discouraged or intimidated.

    “Their action has only strengthened us because the battle to bring back this girls is a battle of no retreat, no surrender.

    “We are not afraid of anything and we cannot be afraid of anything. We shall not be intimidated or cajoled. For me personally, I have overcome fear.”

     

  • Insecurity: Senegalese clerics in Aso Rock for prayer

    Towards ending the violent attacks of the Islamic sect, Boko Haram in Nigeria, some Senegalese clerics on Saturday prayed for President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
    The ten clerics were led to the State House, Abuja by Khalifah Sheikh Ahmad Tijani Inyass, the grandson of Late Shehu Tijani Ibrahim Inyass, the founder of the Tijjaniya sect, on the invitation of President Jonathan.

    They met for about an hour with the President at the First Lady’s Conference Room and offered prayers for an end to the security challenges facing Nigeria as well as peace and stability in the country.

    Speaking with State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, the Spokesman of the group, Ahmed Tijani Sanni Alwalu said that the clerics who were in Nigeria to attend the Maulud celebration of Ibrahim Inyass Gombe were invited to the villa by President Jonathan for spiritual support.

    According to him, it was a historic meeting since former Nigerian leaders like Yakubu Gowon and Late Aguiyi- Ironsi had also invited the sect to pray for the country in the past.

    He said: “It is a historic visit because it has been done by his father with the then President, Gen. Yakubu Gowon and Gen. Aguyi Ironsi.  So, the history is repeating itself and we come for the Moulude of Ibrahim Inyass Gombe and on his way going home, the President requested for a courtesy visit and Shehu granted that.”

    “We put ourselves together all Muslims and non- Muslims, in peaceful co- existence prayers so that we can all fight this insecurity in this country.

    “The main purpose of coming here is part of the prayers for peace in this country,” he added

    Other clerics with him included Sheikh Muhammadul Makky Inyass, Sheikh Mansur Inyass, Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Inyass, Sheikl Bashir Inyass, Inyass Mustapha Inyass, Abdullahi Muhammad Maigemu, Sheikh Ibrahim Dahiru Bauchi, Aliyu Ibrahim, and Khalifah Shehu Nasiru Hamisu.

    Others present at the meeting were  the Vice President, Namadi Sambo, Chief of Staff to President, Brig- General Jones Arogbofa (rtd), Head of Service, Bukar Goni Aji; Minister of FCT, Bala Mohammed; Justice

  • Oba Akinruntan steals show at royal fathers’ meeting with Jonathan

    Oba Akinruntan steals show at royal fathers’ meeting with Jonathan

    PERHAPS unknown to many, there is a difference between being rich and being royally wealthy. That much can be deduced from the life of the Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom and Chairman of Obat Oil, Oba Fredrick Akinruntan. And those who were privileged see the royal father in his full royal regalia during a meeting some traditional rulers had with President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa recently would attest to this fact.

    The monarchs were led to the meeting by the paramount ruler of Mgbirichi/Abakuru land, Eze Akunueze Ahurunkwe II. And as it is customary in the Villa, members of the delegation were driven into the forecourt of the President’s office in a Coaster bus. But on this particular day, there was a slight bent to protocol.  Trailing the bus was a red state-of-the-art Bentley 2014 model with customised number plate ‘OLUGBO’.

    So, while the other traditional rulers on the delegation collectively rode in the Coaster bus, Oba Akinruntan followed in his wonder-on-wheels. Of course, he got the needed attention as he made his way out of the car after it was strategically parked in front of the Council Chambers while the meeting lasted.

    The cameras clicked away at the car, with some people posing with it for photographs.

  • FG will explore all options to end terrorism – Jonathan

    FG will explore all options to end terrorism – Jonathan

    The federal government is ready to explore all options, including accepting unconditional renunciation of violence by insurgents to end the terrorist siege on the country.

    President Goodluck Jonathan who gave this indication in his Democracy Day broadcast on Thursday however said that all security measures are being pursued.

    He assured that the insurgents would be de-radicalised, rehabilitated and re-integrated into the broader society.

    “For our citizens who have joined hands with Al Qaeda and international terrorists in the misguided belief that violence can possibly solve their problems, our doors remain open to them for dialogue and reconciliation, if they renounce terrorism and embrace peace.

    “We must remain united to win the war against terrorism. Christians, Moslems, farmers, fishermen, herdsmen, teachers, lawyers, clergy or clerics, the rich, the poor and Nigerians from all sections of the country must work together with our security agencies and armed forces to overcome the terrorists who now threaten all that we hold dear.

    “The war against terror may be difficult, but the days of peace will come again. Terror is evil; nowhere in history has evil endured forever. The menace of Boko Haram will surely come to an end. I believe that because of your prayers, your courage, hardwork, faith and sacrifice, we will ultimately prevail over the terrorists and all other evil forces, ” he assured.

    He said Nigeria will continue to partner with the civilized world, to confront international terrorism and every other challenges with patriotic zeal and determination.

    President Jonathan said he has  granted all lawful powers to the security forces towards stamping out insurgency in the country.

    He  commend security forces in the country for the successes recorded so far and urged them not to relent in the battle against the terrorists .

    ” We must not forget their gallantry and successes in liberating nations and in peacekeeping, from Liberia to Sierra Leone,  Congo, Sudan, Mali, Guinea-Bissau and many places in Africa and beyond. Our forces have paid the supreme price in several places at several times.”

     

  • Democracy Day broadcast by Jonathan

    Democracy Day broadcast by Jonathan

    DEMOCRACY DAY BROADCAST

    BY

    H.E. GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR,

    PRESIDENT, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA

     

     

     

     

    MAY 29, 2014

     

     

     

     

     

    Fellow Nigerians,

    1.    I greet and felicitate with you all, today, as we mark 15 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in our beloved country.

     

    2.  Our dear nation, Nigeria, has certainly come a long way and made notable progress since our first Democracy Day on May 29, 1999 when the military finally relinquished power and handed over to a democratically-elected government, marking the true beginning of a government of the people, by the people, for the people.”

     

    3.  Although I have ordered a low-key commemoration of this year’s Democracy Day in deference to the current mood of the nation, there can be no doubt that the past 15 years, the longest period of sustained democratic governance in our country, have been a blessing to us, as a people.

     

     

    4.  As we commemorate 15 years of our Fourth Republic today therefore, I believe that it is fitting that we pay tribute once again to all those who played a part in restoring our nation to the true path of democratic governance, built on the foundations of rule of law and freedom of expression.

     

    5.  As a result of our collective efforts since 1999, democratic governance is now entrenched in our nation and institutions. I wholeheartedly believe that our people are the better for it. The scope of fundamental rights and liberties enjoyed by our people overthe past 15 years has been expanded beyond measure.

     

    6.  On my watch, we have witnessed high national economic growth rates, steady improvements and expansion of national infrastructure including airports and roads, the restoration of rail transportation, the efficient implementation of a roadmap for improved power supply, a revolutionary approach to agricultural production, as well as advances in education, sports, youth development, healthcare delivery, housing, water supply and other social services.

     

    7.   In the oil and gas sector, our promotion of a sustainable local content policy, continues to guarantee equity and better opportunities for Nigerian entrepreneurs and skilled personnel.

     

    8.  Significant increase in mobile telephoneand national broadband penetration, making Information and Communications Technology (ICT) one of the fastest growing sectors of the Nigerian economy. We have also developed strong financial markets and regulatory institutions. Our banks now have regional and global footprints.

     

    9.  Nigeria has also gained recognition as the largest economy in Africa, the most preferred investment destination in the continent and in terms of returns on investment, the fourth in the world. We are pleased that the world has noticed, as global leaders converged in Abuja early this month for the World Economic Forum in Africa.

     

     

     

    10.                    The event not only witnessed a record attendance, it brought the prospect of an additional flow of investment into the Nigerian economy estimated at over $68 billion over the next few years.

     

    11.                       In foreign relations, our country has equally done well within this period, by establishing and strengthening strong partnerships with all ECOWAS countries and the rest of the world. This has helped to deepen Nigeria’s leadership role in multilateral institutions including the United Nations.

     

    12.                     Furthermore, under this administration, we have made consistent progress in improving the standard of elections in our country to ensure that they are ever more credible and truly representative of the people’s free choice. The National Conference we initiated to deliberate and make recommendations on the best ways of resolving our current political and socio-economic challenges is ongoing. It is our expectation that its outcomes will help to further consolidate the gains we have made from democracy in the past 15 years, and place our dear nation even more firmly on the path to greatness.

     

    Dear Compatriots,

    13.                     It is a sad fact that as I address you today, all the gains of the past 15 years of democratic governance in our country are threatened by the presence of international terrorism on our shores. Our dear country, Nigeria is facing a new challenge. A war has been unleashed on us. Extremist foreign elements, collaborating with some of our misguided citizens, are focused on an attempt to bring down our country and the democracy and freedomwe cherish and celebrate today.

     

    14.                     The despicable abduction of school girls from Chibok in Borno State has brought to the awareness of the entire world, the heartless brutality of these terrorists who want to instigate a descent into anarchy and balkanize our nation.

     

    15.                     In recent years, terrorist attacks have claimed the lives of several of our compatriots, many have been  injured or maimed, whole villages and communities have been destroyed and the economy of some of our states  is in jeopardy.

     

     

    16.                     There can be no doubt that what we are witnessing in Nigeria today is a manifestation of the same warped and ferocious world view that brought down the Twin Towers in New York, killed innocent persons in Boston and led to the murder of defenceless people in the Southern Russian city of Volgograd. Terrorist activities have brought war and pains to Mali, Somalia, Yemen, Syria, Afghanistan and Pakistan. These agents of evil continue to brainwash and incite ignorant young men and women to attack the innocent. We cannot allow this to continue.

     

     

    17.                      I welcome the statements of solidarity from patriotic citizens and the global community in support of our efforts to stamp out terrorism. I applaud the understanding that in a democracy, such as we are building, people can have differences while sharing worthy values and standing together in opposition to the scourge of terrorism. Nigeria is the only country we have and we must all work to preserve it for present and future generations.

     

     

    18.                     Despite the challenges we face, we must commend our security forces. We must not forget their gallantry and successes in liberating nations and in peacekeeping, from Liberia to Sierra Leone,  Congo, Sudan, Mali, Guinea-Bissau and many places in Africa and beyond. Our forces have paid the supreme price in several places at several times.

     

    19.                     Today, they face a different challenge, an unconventional war by terrorists. They are adjusting and are being equipped to tackle the new menace of terrorism. We must show confidence in their ability. I have no doubt that, with the support of Nigerians, our neighbours and the international community, we will reinforce our defence, free our girls and rid Nigeria of terrorists.

     

    20.                   It is now 45 days since the horrifying abduction of the college girls of Chibok. I share the deep pain and anxiety of their parents and guardians and I assure them once again that government will continue to do everything possible to bring our daughters home.

     

    21.                     I am determined to protect our democracy, our national unity and our political stability, by waging a total war against terrorism. The unity and stability of our country, and the protection of lives and property are non-negotiable. I have instructed our security forces to launch a full-scale operation to put an end to the impunity of terrorists on our soil.

     

     

     

    22.                    I have also authorized the security forces to use any means necessary under the law to ensure that this is done. I assure you that Nigeria will be safe again, and that these thugs will be driven away – it will not happen overnight, but we will spare no effort to achieve this goal.

     

    23.                    For our citizens who have joined hands with Al Qaeda and international terrorists in the misguided belief that violence can possibly solve their problems, our doors remain open to them for dialogue and reconciliation, if they renounce terrorism and embrace peace.

     

    24.                   My government, while pursuing security measures, will explore all options, including readiness to accept unconditional renunciation of violence by insurgents, and to ensure their de-radicalization, rehabilitation and re-integration into the broader society.

     

    Dear Compatriots,

    25.                    We must remain united to win the war against terrorism. Christians, Moslems, farmers, fishermen, herdsmen, teachers, lawyers, clergy or clerics, the rich, the poor and Nigerians from all sections of the country must work together with our security agencies and armed forces to overcome the terrorists who now threaten all that we hold dear.

     

    26.                   The war against terror may be difficult, but the days of peace will come again. Terror is evil; nowhere in history has evil endured forever. The menace of Boko Haram will surely come to an end. I believe that because of your prayers, your courage, hardwork, faith and sacrifice, we will ultimately prevail over the terrorists and all other evil forces.

     

    27.                    We are a strong, resilient and courageous people.  We will continue to partner with the civilized world, to confront international terrorism and every other challenge that comes our way with patriotic zeal and determination.

     

    Fellow Nigerians,

     

    28.                   Yes, we have challenges but we will surely overcome. Nigeria is our country. Nigeria is blessed. We will all collectively protect, defend and develop this country for ourselves, and our children.

     

    29.                   Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

     

    30.                   Thank you and God bless Nigeria.

     

  • Jonathan, Omisore meet at Villa

    Jonathan, Omisore meet at Villa

    President Goodluck Jonathan met yesterday with Osun State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate Senator Iyiola Omisore at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Omisore, dressed in light purple “agbada”, was driven to the Villa around 1pm in a Federal Government-owned black Toyota Land Cruiser.

    He was unaccompanied on the visit, which lasted for about 30 minutes.

    Omisore declined to speak with State House correspondents on issues discussed at the meeting.

    He simply said: “I am coming back, I am coming back”, before he was driven out of the Villa.

    The meeting may not be unconnected with the August 9 governorship election in Osun State.

  • Spare our lives, girls urge Jonathan in new video

    Spare our lives, girls urge Jonathan in new video

    Obasanjo hosts Boko Haram contacts in Abeokuta

    President Goodluck Jonathan was sent a new video of the schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram in which they beg him to spare their lives through a prisoner swap, sources close to the militia told British newspaper The Telegraph.

    The Nation could not confirm last night the receipt of the video.

    The video was said to have been handed to the President’s office by an intermediary, a journalist, Ahmed Salkida,  who started a dialogue with the group two weeks ago. He is one of the few people trusted by the sect. He obtained the video as a way of proving that he had authentic lines of communication to Boko Haram’s leaders, the report said.

    However, the source claimed that a subsequent deal to release the girls – planned for a week ago on Monday – was scrapped after Western governments placed pressure on Mr Jonathan not to negotiate for any prisoner swap.

    The deal would allegedly have seen around 50 of the girls released in exchange for an equivalent number of Boko Haram fighters currently in Nigerian jails. The Nigerian government has denied that any deal was on the table, and has so far neither confirmed nor denied the existence of the video.

    Claims of the video’s existence surfaced as the Chief of Defence Staff claimed that the military knew where the girls were located. Speaking on Monday, Air Marshal Alex Badeh, described it as “good news for the parents” but said that the military would not risk “going there with force”.

    However, he declined to give specific details, raising speculation about the accuracy of his claims.

    The Nigerian journalist who is said to have obtained the latest video was named by the source as Ahmed Salkida, who is from the north-east state of Borno, which is Boko Haram’s main stronghold.

    His contacts with the group have been so close that on past occasions he was arrested on suspicion of being a sympathiser, and two years ago he moved with his family to Dubai.

    However, around four weeks ago, the Federal Government agreed for him to come back to Nigeria to see if he could assist in negotiating for the girls’ freedom. He and a trusted cleric then risked their lives by heading up into the remote bushland areas where the group operate, meeting a senior assistant of Boko Haram’s leader, Abubakar Shekau.

    “The government said to the intermediary to prove himself to show whether he was capable of brokering a deal or not, and insisted that he should obtain proof of life of the hostages,” the source said. “So during his talks with the insurgents, he obtained a DVD which had clips of girls being interviewed by members of the group, in which they asked President Jonathan to do a prisoner swap to get them freed.

    “That DVD was shown to the government, and a deal was arranged so that the girls would have been released a week ago on Monday, but at last minute the government backed out.”

    The precise reasons for the government’s alleged change of mind were not known, said the source. But he pointed out that the weekend before the proposed release date, Mr Jonathan was at the summit to discuss the Boko Haram crisis in Paris, also attended by British and American officials as well as the governments of Niger, Cameroon and Mali

    The Nigerian government got a lot of offers of co-operation by neighbouring countries at the summit, and I think that emboldened them against negotiations,” the source said. “They also seem to be afraid that if they do a prisoner swap, they will lose the support of the West.”

    As a result, the source said, the negotiations had now “crashed”, with Mr Salkida returning to Dubai. The DVD remains in the possession of the Nigerian government and has not been released publicly.