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Tag: Jonathan

  • Jonathan, Emir of Kano meet at Aso Rock

    Jonathan, Emir of Kano meet at Aso Rock

    President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday met behind closed-door with the Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi II, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Sanusi, who is a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), was at the State House with some elders and palace aides from the emirate.

    During the tail end of his tenure at the CBN, Sanusi, who alleged some financial irregularities in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation’s (NNPC) remittances to the Federation account, was suspended by President Jonathan.

    At the end of about one hour meeting on Thursday, the Emir declined to speak to journalists on the discussions at the meeting.

    He was driven off as soon as he was ushered by his royal guards into his antique right-hand drive Roll Royce saloon car.

  • 2015: Jonathan to collect nomination form at 2PM

    2015: Jonathan to collect nomination form at 2PM

    President Goodluck Jonathan is expected to collect the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential nomination form at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja at 2PM on Thursday.

    According to a statement issued by his media aide, Dr. Reuben Abati, the President will make the stipulated payment and collect the party’s Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for the 2015 presidential elections.

    He will be received at the PDP Headquarters by the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, its National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha and other members of the party’s National Working Committee.

    “Once again, the President thanks all the persons, groups and communities who have contributed funds for the forms and his coming campaign expenses.

    “He also acknowledges other donors who have sent in their contributions since the initial list was published yesterday,” the statement said.

  • Jonathan meets Ihedioha, AGF on Tambuwal’s defection

    Jonathan meets Ihedioha, AGF on Tambuwal’s defection

    The Presidency was in a frenzy yesterday, jolted into action by the sudden defection of House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Tambuwal announced his defection on Tuesday at the end of plenary.

    President Goodluck Jonathan met with Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mohammed Adoke and the PDP leadership at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Some PDP governors and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, were also at the meeting.

    Others at the meeting included PDP National Chairman Adamu Muazu, PDP Governors’ Forum chair and Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio, Bayelsa Governor Seriake Dickson, Benue Governor Gabriel Suswam, Gombe Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo and Enugu Governor Sullivan Chime.

    Also at the meeting were House Deputy Leader Leo Ogor and Committee on Health Chairman Ndudi Elumelu.

    None of those who attended the meeting spoke to reporters on the outcome of the meeting.

  • Jonathan’s re-election sub-committees inaugurated

    Jonathan’s re-election sub-committees inaugurated

    THE Chairman of the Presidential Declaration Committee for Dr. Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election, Dr Bello Halliru Mohammed, has inaugurated the sub-committees that would assist the main committee in the discharge of its duties.

    A statement by the Secretary of the Media & Publicity Sub-Committee, Umar Sani, said that the chairman urged members to work to ensure the success of the event.

    Noting the importance of such a declaration, he urged members to work towards ensuring the best and most organised declaration in recent times.

    Responding on behalf of the subcommittees, Niger State Governor, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, praised the transformational efforts of the president and thanked the main committee for finding members worthy to discharge the assignment.

    Also present at the meeting were governors Alhaji Hassan Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State, Dr. Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State, Liyel Imoke of Cross Rivers State and the immediate past Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi.

    The sub-committees inaugurated include Media and Publicity Sub-committee with Senator Aniete Okon as chairman; Finance sub-committee with Diezani Allison Madueke as chairperson; Venue and Decoration Sub-committee with Senator Bala Abdulkadir as chairman.

  • APC Reps to challenge Jonathan’s eligibility in court

    APC Reps to challenge Jonathan’s eligibility in court

    Following the declaration of President Goodluck Jonathan to run for Presidency in 2015, a group of lawmakers from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the House of Representatives have said they will challenge his eligibility in court.

    Jonathan, after declaring his intention to run last Thursday, set up a team, chaired by former Minister of Defence, Dr Bello Haliru, to handle his campaign.

    One of the lawmakers, Nasiru Sule Garo, representing Gwarzo/Ikabo Federal Constituency of Kano State, spoke on the pending action.

    He said: “People are ready to go (to court). We are just waiting for him to declare. For now, he is not a candidate. He is just being endorsed, like it happened during (the late Gen. Sani) Abacha’s regime, when selfish individuals were just coming out to say that Abacha was the sole candidate of every other party.”

    The lawmaker hinged the fresh agitation to contest Jonathan’s eligibility on the Supreme Court ruling on former Adamawa State Governor Boni Haruna, which quashed his re-election bid after completing the tenure of his predecessor and another four years.

    He said: “By the Constitution of Nigeria, I don’t think the President (Jonathan) has any right for now to contest. He has been sworn in twice and our constitution says that a person shall occupy the Office of the President for two terms of four years, which makes it eight years. This President has occupied this position for two years and he contested an election and he is occupying for four years, which makes it six.

    “If he seeks a re-election, it means he is going to be sworn-in for the third term. That one too can be contested. Is he going to serve for two years and then we do another election, or is he going to violate the constitution and serve for four years, which would make him the President of Nigeria for 10 years? So, there are a lot of questions that need to be clarified by the court before he even contest for that position.”

  • Northern youths donate N2m for Jonathan’s form

    Northern youths donate N2m for Jonathan’s form

    The Northern Youth Forum (NYF) yesterday in Kano donated N2 million for the purchase of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) presidential nomination form for President Goodluck Jonathan.

    NYF Chairman Bello Bichi said the token was not political, but “a clear indication that northern youths support Jonathan’s transformation agenda, as well as to enable him accomplish a second mandate”.

    Describing Jonathan as “a detribalised leader”, Bichi said northern youths would not succumb to sentiments aimed at dividing the nation.

    Minister of Education Ibrahim Shekarau collected the N2 million cheque on behalf of the president at Marhaba Cinema in Kano.

    Shekarau said the gesture was more important than the amount donated.

    He urged every PDP supporter to play his/her part to ensure Jonathan’s victory next year.

    Present on the occasion were Minister of Youth Affairs Boni Haruna; Minister of Foreign Affairs Aminu Wali; Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs Ahmed Alkali and PDP stalwarts in the state.

  • Jonathan’s confused presidency

    SIR: President Goodluck Jonathan administration is a labyrinth of confusion. Nigerians’ aspiration that he would someday put himself in the right column of history has been dashed, once more. He ought to be the fate of Nigeria and the fate could not be sustained. Now, a thousand years will pass and the guilt of his government will not be erased.

    By his ceasefire deal with the Boko Haram, President Jonathan has practically exaggerated the malevolent power of Boko Haram in an effort to legitimise his bankrupt rule. Pitifully, he has openly disembowelled his government by his disdain for the armed forces for which he is a commander-in-chief.

    In 2011, a Presidential Committee on Security Challenges in the North-East Zone, set up after bomb attacks by the Islamic sect, submitted its final report, asking President Jonathan to consider granting amnesty to members of the sect wishing to surrender their arms to the federal government. The panel, headed by Ambassador Usman Gaji Galtimari, recommended that the federal government consider the option of dialogue and negotiation which should be contingent upon the renunciation of all forms of violence and surrender of arms, to be followed by rehabilitation. In November 2012, the sect said it was willing to cease all hostilities and attacks if the federal government would arrest a former Borno State governor, Alli Modu Sheriff and meet its other demands.

    Sheriff has since become a PDP financier.

    On January 7, 2013, the insurgents for the second time restated its commitment to ceasefire in order to pave the way for dialogue. One Sheikh Abu Mohammad Abdulazeez Ibn Idris, who claimed to be a top member of the major faction of the group led by Sheikh Abubakar Shekau, spoke on behalf of the group.

    In April 2013, the Federal Government set up another committee to consider the feasibility or otherwise of granting pardon to the sect and to collate clamours arising from different interest groups who wanted the presidency to administer clemency on members of the barbaric group.

    The president followed this up in May with a promise to release a number of Boko Haram members, including all women in prison custody. In July, Nigerians happily looked forward to the end of the insurgency when the federal government said it had signed a ceasefire agreement with the militant group. Minister of Special Duties and Chairman of the Peace and Dialogue Committee in the North, Alhaji Tanimu Turaki, announced the ceasefire agreement on the Hausa service of Radio France International.

    Since then, there has been no cessation of hostility.

    In May this year, Minister of Youth Development, Boni Haruna, told the country that President Jonathan had granted conditional amnesty to the terrorists group with a view to putting permanent halt to insurgency in the North-east. He added that series of integration programmes had been lined up for the members of the sect who would surrender their arms and embrace peace. Shortly after he made the statement, the Presidency debunked the statement. Special Adviser to the  President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said the President did not mention the word amnesty in his Democracy Day broadcast that Boni Haruna relied on to make the statement.

    Is it really difficult to put the Boko Haram rabble to rout? Is it just that the Jonathan

    administration is profiting politically from the insurgency? That is why the purported ceasefire reached between the militia sect and the Federal Government is comical.

    You can now understand why Nigerians have been hankering for a strongman; a leader who would stamp out insecurity, corruption, reverse growing inequalities and make the country tall in the comity of nations. A president with common touch and toughness who can snare the sacred cows that have fed fat from the common till.

    • Erasmus Ikhide,

  • Gumi slams Jonathan over 2015 bid

    Gumi slams Jonathan over 2015 bid

    Barely 24 hours after President Goodluck Jonathan declared his intention to contest next year’s presidential election, prominent Kaduna-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh  Ahmad Gumi, has warned him against the move.

    The Islamic scholar believes that Jonathan is guiding Nigeria into chaos and turmoil whose end he said is only known to God.

    In a letter he posted on his facebook account, Sheikh Gumi said: “Mr. President, what I heard from people who are close to you, you are humble with a soft heart. But still, humility is never enough for effective leadership.

    “Leadership is about listening and taking good advice from people of wisdom, not from those that benefit from you or have any agenda other than the unity and progress of this nation.”

    The full text of the letter is as follows:

    “Mr. President,

    “We have never met despite the fact that we were all born and we lived for more than half a century in this great vast country, Nigeria. It’s here we all grew up and were educated, and I presume except by divine prudence, it’s here that we will all be buried.

    “So, what truly matters is the legacy that we will bequeath to our children and the next generation of Nigerians to come. We will not want it a burnt country with hundreds of thousands dead, maimed or displaced because of the thoughtlessness and recklessness of its stewardship.

    “Nigeria today is a single railway line with two heavily loaded trains heading towards each other from opposite directions. You’re the driver of the heavier train, and please do not think that even a cart on the railway cannot derail you with great catastrophe to humanity.

    “You need to come out of the cocoon and face the reality. Denial of the truth can never solve problems.

    “Mr. President, from what I heard from people who are close to you, you are humble with a soft heart. But still, humility is never enough for effective leadership. Leadership is about listening and taking the good advice from people of wisdom, not from those that benefit from you or have any agenda other than the unity and progress of this nation.

    “The mantle of the leadership of this country was given to you under oath. Almost four years ago, you swore to protect ‘the interest of the sovereignty, integrity, solidarity, well-being and prosperity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “You said: ‘I will not allow my personal interest to influence my official conduct or my official decisions, and ‘I will do right to all manner of people, according to law, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will’

    “Unfortunately, many people, including me, believe you broke some of your oath. I’ll only need to refer you back to the honest open letter advice you were given by your political godfather. You appear more Ijaw than Nigerian.

    “It’s seldom fathers will deceive their children. Yet you never listen. And sadly, by your recalcitrance, you are dangerously leading this nation to chaos and turmoil that only God knows where it will end.

    “Muslims have officially registered to you on occasions your partiality. Northern groups have complained about your bias. The youth about your neglect.

    “You have divided the nation gravely on the religious divide. Already, we heard a call in a church that you are now a saviour. Now, not of Nigeria but the church in Nigeria. With this religious zeal on both sides, each side looking at the wrong people for salvation, the nation is heading towards disaster.

    “My fellow countryman, it’s unfortunate that your stand on many issues have made you into a polarizing figure while the exalted office you occupy needs a nationalistic one.

    “Surely with the Christian votes and northern PDP followers you can win another election. But you will also set the nation into another turmoil because that segment of the nation that rejects you do so because they believe rightly or wrongly you are involved negatively in the Boko Haram saga.

    “ The natural thing any good leader will do in this situation is to step down for a person all the segments of the nation will have confidence in for their well-being; a credible person that will not stir apprehension. The decision is not about your rights but about responsibility.

    “Therefore, as you pray in the Holy Land, seek for God’s indulgence to show you the light of honour and do the right thing. It’s God’s command that Nigeria stay united and ‘what therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder’.

    “A word of wisdom says: ‘He who consults is never disappointed and he who seeks God’s choice never regrets.’ So, please don’t brush it aside; call men of wisdom to advice you too.

    “I, for a start, I am hereby candidly advising you to relinquished your presidential ambition because of peace, stability and well-being of millions of innocent Nigerians. There are many politicians that can ‘finish’ it on your behalf. The PDP can present Akpabio or Obi or Orji, etc.”

  • Joint border posts ‘ll check terror, other crimes, says Jonathan

    Joint border posts ‘ll check terror, other crimes, says Jonathan

    President Goodluck  Jonathan yesterday maintained that creation of joint border posts will go a long way in checking terrorism and other trans-border crimes.

    He made the remark during the foundation stone-laying and re-launching ceremony of the construction of Seme-Krake joint border  which is one of the seven posts earmarked for construction in the sub-region.

    Stressing that the region has no choice, but to work together to overcome the challenges, he said that the joint border posts will promote greater integration, development  and prosperity in the sub-region.

    He said: “Your Excellencies, our sub-region faces many challenges today.  They range from the insidious and new wave of terrorism and insurgent activities  to such other trans-border crimes as human and drug trafficking, proliferation of small arms and light weapons, among others.

    “We have no choice as neighbours and brothers, but to work together in unity and determination to deal decisively with these threats to our security and stability  which impede our development potential.

    “The increased cooperation and coordination of controls, the exchange of data and intelligence which will result from the implementation of the joint border posts will certainly help our countries individually and collectively to successfully confront some of these challenges.”

    Continuing, he said: “I am confident that by simplifying clearance procedures and reducing unnecessary delays and inconveniences associated with existing conventional border posts, the joint boarder post (JBP) will promote greater integration, development  and prosperity   within and among the countries of our sub-region.”

    “The launch of this project represents an important movement in the ECOWAS integration protocol. An enhanced Seme-Krake joint border post will, no doubt, ameliorate the present hardship being experienced by border users and officials operating along the Nigeria-Benin borders.”

    He said the project and other similar projects are expected to be completed in good time in order to help enhance trade and cargo movements across West Africa.

    “This will help to reduce substantially the time spent between border points and  cut costs incurred on transacting business. The over impact will also contribute to regional economic growth,” he said.

    He expressed deep appreciation to President Yayi and the government and good People of Benin Republic for their invaluable partnership with Nigeria.

  • Jonathan: I’ll seek re-election

    Jonathan: I’ll seek re-election

    President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday lifted the veil off his unannounced but widely known interest to run in February’s presidential election.

    He told leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the Villa yesterday that he had accepted his adoption by all the organs of the party to be presidential candidate.

    The meeting was held at House 7 in the Presidential Villa.

    At the meeting were Senate President David Mark, PDP Board of Trustees Chairman Tony Anenih, National Chairman Adamu Muazu and Deputy National Chairman Uche Secondus.

    A Presidency source said Jonathan thanked the party men and women for endorsing him to run and giving him the offer of first refusal.

    The source, who spoke on a condition of anonymity, said Jonathan told them that he would pick the nomination form before Thursday’s deadline fixed by the party.

    Jonathan, he said, is to make a public declaration between November 7 and 15. A committee to work out the modalities for the ceremony has been formed.

    The source listed the chairman and members of the Presidential Declaration Committee as: “Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed (Chairman) from Kebbi, former Senate President Ken Nnamani (Deputy Chairman), Enugu, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim (Secretary), Ebonyi, Prof. Rufa’i Ahmed Alkali (member), Gombe, Julius Imagwe – Senior Special Assistant (SSA) – Youth – (member), Edo, Dr. Baraka Sani (SSA -NSAP) – Kano (member).

    Governors representing zones are: Liyel Imoke, Cross River (South South), Theodore Orji, Abia (South East), Olusegun Mimiko, Ondo (Southwest), Dr. Mua’zu Babangida Aliyu Niger (North Central), Ibrahim Shema, Katsina (North West) and Ibrahim Dankwambo, Gombe (North East).”

    “National Assembly Representatives: Sen. Hosea Agboola (Oyo), Sen. Ahmed Makarfi (Kaduna), Hon. Bitrus Kaze (Plateau) and Hon. Salmas Badru (Ogun).

    Federal Executive Council Representatives: Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke (Bayelsa), Minister of Police Affairs, Abduljelili Adesiyan (Osun), Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Zainab Maina (Adamawa), Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Sen. Bala Mohammed (Bauchi).

    Party Official Representatives: Deputy National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus (Rivers), Benue State Chapter Chairman, Chief Emmanuel Egbo (Benue) National Women Leader,  Kema Chikwe (Imo) and North West Zonal Chairman, Amb. Ibrahim Kazaure (Jigawa).

    Party members represenatives: Sen. Stella Omu (Delta), Sen. Walid Jibrin (BOT Secretary, (Nasarawa), Ibrahim Bunu (Borno), Rev. Jolly Nyame (Taraba), Sen. Aniete Okon (Akwa Ibom), Peter Obi (Anambra), Mrs. Remi Adiukwu-Bakare (Lagos), Gen. A. B. Mamman and PDP National Youth Leader – FCT.

    Others appointed at presidential discretion: Halima Alfa (Kogi), Nigeria Ambassador to Netherlands, Mrs. Nimota Nihinlola Akanbi (Kwara), FCT ALGON Chairman, Micah Yohanna Jiba (FCT) and Hon. Sam Ikon (Akwa Ibom).

    Giving analysis of members representing the zones, the source said SouthSouth (six), Southeast (five), Southwest (five), FCT (one), Northwest (five), Northeast (six) and NorthCentral (six).

    Another meetiing, the source said, was held last night where Prof. Jerry Gana was named as the chairman of the fund-raising sub-committee for the campaign.