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Tag: Jonathan

  • Jonathan leads FG delegation to Yakowa’s burial

    Jonathan leads FG delegation to Yakowa’s burial

    …FEC holds special session for governor, Azazi

    President Goodluck Jonathan will lead the Federal Government delegation to Kaduna for the burial of late Governor Patrick Yakowa on Thursday.

    Yakowa died in Saturday’s helicopter crash in Bayelsa State.

    Other victims of the crash are the former National Security Adviser, Gen. Andrew Azazi, their aides and two co-pilots.

    They were in Okoroba in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State for the burial of Pa. Obebara Douglas, father of Mr. Oronto Douglas, Special Adviser to the President on Research and Documentation

    The president, who spoke during Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council meeting described last Saturday as a black day for the country.

    The FEC  held a special session in honour of the crash victims.

    The atmosphere was solemn at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, venue of the meeting.

    It was also the last FEC meeting for the year. The meeting lasted about one hour and 30 minutes.

    Part of the ceremony which kicked off at exactly 10.15am and was presided over by President Jonathan included a minute silence in the memory of the victims and the signing of two separate condolence registers for Governor Yakowa and Gen. Azazi, by all cabinet members present.

    The Council Chamber was very quite in tune with the mood of the nation, as the ministers wore glooming faces.

    They did all possible to control their tears, but it was difficult as tears freely rolled down their cheeks. Condolences poured in from ministers from the six geo-political zones of the country.

    President Jonathan later announced the adjournment of the FEC meeting till January 9, 2013.

    He described Yakowa as an individual whose politics transcend beyond religion and ethnicity.

    Yakowa, according to the president, was a gentleman who believed in the unity of the country.

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  • ‘Jonathan must meet lawmakers over insecurity’

    A lawmaker, Mr. Babatunde Ogunola, has said lawmakers would continue to insist that President Goodluck Jonathan appears before the National Assembly following the nation’s insecurity and the Boko Haram insurgency.

    Ogunola, who represents Ado/Odo/Ota in the House of Representatives said President Jonathan has many questions to answer concerning insecurity, adding that the President’s unwillingness to appear before the National Assembly is worrisome.

    The House of Representatives member, who spoke with reporters after empowering over 134 persons with motorcycles, sewing machines, deep freezers, grinding machines, among others, in Ado/Odo, Ogun State, said the National Assembly would not relent in demanding that the executive should perform its responsibility not only by securing lives but implementing the budget fully.

    Ogunola said: “When we wanted to go on vacation in September, we sent for Mr. President to give us details of the challenges we are facing. Till today he has not honoured our invitation and we are still pressurising him to do so because he has a lot of questions to answer.

    “The insecurity we are facing in this country is worrisome. We will not relent until we combat the problems.

    “All Nigerians have a role to play in solving the problems confronting this country.”

    He noted that the inability of the executive arm of the government to perform its duties, especially in the areas of budget implementation and security, accounts for the high rate of unemployment and crimes in the country.

  • Nigeria more important than our personal differences, says Jonathan

    •N60m raised at Armed Forces Emblem launch

     

    President Goodluck Jonathan said yesterday that the country is more important than personal, religious and ethnic differences.

    He urged Nigerians to rise above individual differences and promote values that bind the country together.

    The President spoke at the emblem appeal launch for the 2013 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration. The event was held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa.

    The President also urged the Nigerian Armed Forces to continue to champion the cause of unity and national cohesion, adding that the Armed Forces remembrance affords the nation the opportunity to celebrate the gallantry of its military; those living and those who had paid the supreme sacrifice during World War II, the civil war and various peace keeping missions.

    He urged Nigerians to refuse to be divided by those who impose ethnic and religious meaning on every national issue.

    President Jonathan said: “For me, the strongest message is that of unity. The men and women that we remember today were drawn into national service from all parts of Nigeria and they served gallantly, regardless of differences of religion or ethnicity.

    “They were united by the same purpose – to keep Nigeria secure. Their oneness of purpose and spirit remind us of the significance of national cohesion. Together we can achieve a lot.

    “Whatever may be our differences; religious, ethnic or personal, Nigeria is more important. We must be united in rising above our differences and promoting values that bind us together.

    “We must refuse to be divided by those who impose ethnic and religious meaning on every national issue.

    “Soon, it will be 100 years since Nigeria emerged as one country; it is a heritage that we all must be proud of.

    “The legacy of our past heroes is something we must cherish as we strive together to leave an even worthier legacies for future generation.”

    The Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem launch, according to the President, is significant, coming four days after the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of former Kaduna State Governor Patrick Yakowa, former National Security Adviser Andrew Owoye Azazi, their aides and pilots.

    The President pledged to support the families of the victims.

    “We remember today the heroes that have fallen and also our serving military men and women. We remember today the sacrifice that our armed forces have made and are still making so that our country can continue to live in peace and remain secured.

    “To those who have served and those who are still serving, we thank you for the sacrifice that you have made, sacrifice that is borne out of patriotism, sacrifice that is strong message of inspiration to the rest of us,’’ Jonathan said.

    Minister of State for Defence Mrs Olusola Obada said the nation deserved to honour those who had laid down their lives for her unity.

    She said the fund realised would be used to, among other things, support the families and loved ones the departed heroes left behind.

    The President, Vice President Namadi Sambo, Senate President David Mark, House Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, were decorated with the emblem.

    Also decorated were former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon, former President Shehu Shagari, Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako, PDP National Chairman Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and Mrs. Obada.

    Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Ola Ibrahim, the Service Chiefs, Inspector General of Police Mohammed Abubakar, Ministers and other dignitaries were decorated with the emblem.

    Business mogul Aliko Dangote, who was also decorated with the emblem donated N30 million and announced donation of another N30 million on behalf of Alhaji Dahiru Mangal.

    Mrs. Stella Okoye, Managing Director of Emzor Pharmaceutical, announced a donation of N10million worth of drugs for military hospitals.

     

  • Helicopter crash: Acting Governor condoles with Jonathan, others

    The Acting Governor of Cross River State, Mr. Efiok Cobham, has commiserated with President Goodluck Jonathan and the people and governments of Kaduna and Bayelsa states on the deaths of Governor Patrick Yakowa and former National Security Adviser (NSA), Gen. Owoye Azazi, in a helicopter crash at the weekend.

    He described their deaths as horrific and saddening.

    In a statement issued in Calabar, Cobham said he was shocked when he received the sad news, adding that the two men would be missed.

    According to him, “the death of the two gentlemen and others in the helicopter crash is distressing. It is a tragedy not only to their families and states of origin, but also to the nation.”

    While conveying the deepest condolences of the Government and people of Cross River State to the families of the victims, he prayed God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.

    The Acting Governor supported President Jonathan’s directive that a probe be conducted on the crash to find out its cause.

  • Jonathan urged to stop comments on Ondo poll

    Counsel to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ondo State Mr. Charles Titiloye yesterday urged President Goodluck Jonathan to refrain from further extra-judicial comment, which “might undermine the fair trial” of the petitions before the State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.

    Titiloye said the President’s comment at the Redeem Christian Church of God (RCCG) Camp that the election was free and fair is a prejudicial and unwarranted commentary on an election that is being challenged by Jonathan’s party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), before the tribunal.

    Titiloye said: “It is unfortunate that while the purported winner of the election, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, is challenging the result in parts of Irele and Ilaje local Governments at the tribunal as a product of corrupt practices, manipulation of votes, violence and over voting, the president, who has no stake in the said election, is still praising the same election in a sober religious arena as free and fair.

    “Our leaders should have the fear of God and repent from their old ways of politicking, so that Nigeria can come out of its unending problems associated with fraudulent elections.

    “Rather than facing the multifarious challenges militating against the country, President Jonathan is involving himself in an issue which is outside his mandate because of plans to perpetuate himself in power beyond 2015.”

    Titiloye urged the president to leave Ondo politics for its citizenry and solve the Boko Haram insurgency, unemployment, kidnapping and massive corruption ravaging the nation.

     

  • RCCG congress: Jonathan entrusts Nigeria to God

    RCCG congress: Jonathan entrusts Nigeria to God

    President Goodluck Jonathan has entrusted the nation’s future into God’s care. On Friday, Jonathan told the teeming congregation at this year’s Holy Ghost Congress organised by the Redeemed Christian Church of God that prayer is the panacea to the country’s present challenges.

    Jonathan assured the congregation that he will not give up on doing what was right, adding, with optimism, “I have a strong conviction that we shall all overcome our present challenges.”

    He attributed his victory in the 2011 general elections to the efforts of the General Overseer of RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, and the innumerable members of the church, who overwhelmingly supported him.

    He said, “Two years ago, I was here to seek the face of God and ask for your prayers for the last presidential election. I want to thank God that the victory was made possible through the prayers of Pastor Adeboye and the church

    “I am guided by biblical principles of transparency in leadership; government is pursuing the agenda of regaining the trust of the people to foster unity and peace.”

    He, however, apologised for not making it to the 2011 Holy Ghost Congress after he won the presidency. He blamed it on state assignments and rigours of his work, adding, “But I insisted that no matter the constraints of my work, I must come for this year’s Congress to pray for signs and wonders in government,” he said.

    Afterwards, the president knelt down before the whole congregation, and a prayer session for him was led by Pastor Adeboye.

    In his speech, Adeboye expressed optimism on the ability of the present government to turn the fortunes of the country around for good. He said, “He is the God of wonders who turns impossibilities to possibilities. Our concerted prayers for the country and her president will surely turn the tide and restore the country’s lost glory. With our leaders turning to God for wisdom and sense of direction in prayers, God’s mighty hand that delivered Israelites from Egypt and brought water out of the rock would change our misfortunes.”

    According to Adeboye, a total of 41 babies (20 boys and 21girls) were born during the week-long congress. The congress ended yesterday.

    Other dignitaries at the service included Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; the wife of the Ogun State governor, Mrs Olufunso Amosun; her counterpart from Lagos State, Dame Abimbola Fashola and the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs Adejoke Adefulire-Orelope.

     

  • MDAs must remitt budget surpluses – Jonathan

    MDAs must remitt budget surpluses – Jonathan

    Tough actions await heads of Federal Government Ministries, Department and Agencies who are in the habit of withholding budget surpluses.

    President Goodluck Jonathan said on Wednesday that such practices will henceforth attract sanctions.

    The president also charged the states and local government areas in the country to embrace the fiscal responsibility.

    He spoke during the oath taking of commissioners of National Population Commission and the swearing in of two members of Fiscal Responsibility Commission.

    The event which happened simultaneously came up shortly before the commencement of the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting.

    The NPC commissioners are Alhaji Ya’u Usman Sa’in, representing Kaduna. He was the former state chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, Kaduna and Aliyu Datti.

    Datti represented Niger State.

    The two members of Fiscal Responsibility Commission that were sworn-in are Mohammed Garba, a journalist, representing the civil society. He is from Kano State and Ismaila Hassan representing Bauchi.

    Jonathan in his short speech said the administration’s commitment to building strong institutions remain unwavering.

    He said, “Let me also use this occasion to warn government agencies that henceforth, failure or late rendition of accounts or non remittance of operating surpluses will attract the full weight of actions as prescribed by law.

    “It is imperative therefore that all tiers of government must totally embrace fiscal responsibility, as state and local government control over 50 per cent of federally collectable revenue.”

    While noting that the country now has in place a concussed and focused legal framework that regulates conduct, guide the management of government finances and impose limitation in government spending, Jonathan stressed that the administration’s commitment to building strong institutions shall remain unwavering.”

    The president, who also commended the commission for enforcing accountability in government, said the fiscal responsibility act was enacted to bring the country in line with Fiscal Responsibility standard in practice in both developed and developing economies all over the world.

     

  • Jonathan seeks N161.6b more for fuel subsidy

    Jonathan seeks N161.6b more for fuel subsidy

    Nineteen days to the end of the year, President Goodluck Jonathan is asking the Senate to approve over N161.6 billion supplementary fuel subsidy budget for this year.

    Over N880.3 billion was set aside for payment of fuel subsidy in the budget.

    But, in a December 5 letter to Senate President David Mark, entitled “Request for supplementary budget for 2012,” Dr. Jonathan said the N7.7 billion left of the N880.3 billion would not be enough for subsidy payment for the remaining days of the year.

    Senator Mark read the letter on the floor of the Senate yesterday.

    The cash will help to maintain a steady flow of petroleum products, especially in the run up to the festive season, according to the President, who hopes that the Senate will consider the request expeditiously.

    The letter reads: “The Distinguished Senate President will recall that as part of the 2012 budget framework, a provision of N888.1 billion was made for payment of fuel subsidy for the nation.

    “I wish to intimate the Distinguished Senate of the fact that following the forensic audit carried out, the provision for fuel subsidy in the 2012 budget was underestimated.

    As at now, the sum of N880,264,243,683.61 billion has been paid out, leaving a balance of N7, 735, 756, 316: 39 billion.

    “In order to accommodate the outstanding arrears resulting from the forensic audit exercise and the remaining period of the 2012, an additional sum of N161, 617, 364, 911 billion over and above what was programmed in the 2012 framework is required.

    “Given the need to maintain a steady flow of petroleum products, especially in the run-up to the festive season, it is my hope that the distinguished senators will kindly accord this request their traditional expeditious consideration and approval.”

    It is not clear the consideration the lawmakers will give to the request, considering the unresolved controversy over fuel subsidy payments.

  • Jonathan seeks U.S. help in fight against Boko Haram

    President Goodluck Jonathan has described Boko Haram and kidnapping as major challenges facing the country.

    He spoke yesterday when he received Commander of the U.S. Africa Command, AFRICOM, Gen. Carter Ham, at the State House, Abuja.

    He called on the U.S. to support Nigeria’s effort to find lasting solutions to various security challenges confronting the nation.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ham was in the country to present a paper at the National Defence College, Abuja.

    The president said Nigeria was “facing various security challenges, including the Islamic Boko Haram group, policing the nation’s extensive maritime borders, crude oil theft and kidnapping.’’

    He commended the U.S. for its role in global peace and security.

    “We appreciate the commitment of the U.S. to ensuring that the world is safe and secure,’’ he said.

    The president also briefed Ham on his visit to Mali and the efforts by ECOWAS to resolve the conflict in that country.

    He said the situation could still be contained if the right steps were taken quickly.

    Jonathan congratulated also President Barrack Obama on his re-election, commending the smooth process of the U.S. elections.

    Ham said he seized the opportunity of the visit to the National Defence College to hold talks with security agencies on ways to strengthen the partnership between Nigerian and American forces.

    He said the U.S. was ready to cooperate with Nigeria in maritime security, communications, development of civil-military capabilities and resolving the conflict in Mali.

    The general commended the college for the harmonious working relationship between military personnel and civilians.

    Participants at the lecture on security issues include military personnel from neighbouring countries.

     

  • Jonathan seeks additional N161.6b for fuel subsidy payment

    Jonathan seeks additional N161.6b for fuel subsidy payment

    With just 19 days to the end of the year, President Goodluck Jonathan has asked the Senate to approve over N161.6 billion supplementary fuel subsidy budget for 2012.

    This is contained in a letter Jonathan wrote to the Senate President, David Mark, entitled: “Request for supplementary budget for 2012.”

    The letter dated December 5, 2012 was read by Mark on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday.

    Over N880.3 billion was set aside for payment of fuel subsidy in the 2012 budget.

    Jonathan said that N7.7 billion left of the N880.3 billion will not be enough for subsidy payment for the remaining days of the year.

    He noted that given the need to maintain a steady flow of petroleum products, especially in the run up to the festive season, it is his hope that the Senate will accord the request expeditious consideration and approval.

    The letter reads in part:“The Distinguished Senate President will recall that as part of the 2012 budget framework, a provision of N888.1 billion was made for payment of fuel subsidy for the nation.

    “I wish to intimate the Distinguish Senate of the fact that following the forensic audit carried out, the provision for fuel subsidy in the 2012 budget was underestimated.

    As at now, the sum of N880, 264,243,683.61 billion has been paid out leaving a balance of N7, 735, 756, 316: 39 billion.

    “In order to accommodate the outstanding arrears resulting from the forensic audit exercise and the remaining period of the 2012 an additional sum of N161, 617, 364, 911 billion over and above what was programmed in the 2012 framework is required.

    “Given the need to maintain a steady flow of petroleum products, especially in the run up to the festive season, it is my hope that the distinguished senators will kindly accord this request their traditional expeditious consideration and approval.”