The Nation Newspaper

Tag: President Jonathan

  • Committee to showcase Jonathan’s achievents inaugurated

    President Goodluck Jonathan has approved a 23-man list comprising government and Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to showcase his achievements within the last four years.

    The Department of the State Security Service (DSS), Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Intelligence Agency (NIA) are in the committee

    Briefing journalists on the development, the Special Adviser to the President on Social Development and Special Duties, Mrs. Sarah Pane, said the event tagged “international exhibition on the transformation of Nigeria” will be declared open by President Jonathan on December 18.

    She said, “Unfortunately, due to the dismal performance of previous efforts, there is a disconnect between the citizenry and the transformative stride of the government culminating in growing apathy in the mind-set of the people even in the face of tremendous progress.

    “It is believed that the approach being adopted now will present the facts in a way that will not only make them incontrovertible, but available to many more Nigerians and the international community.”

    Others in the committee headed by one Ari Isa Mohammed from the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), are from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Federal Ministry of Education, Federal Ministry of Finance, Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Federal Ministry of Housing, Federal Ministry of Information, Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Federal Ministry of Power, Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, Federal Ministry of Transport, Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Federal Ministry of Works, Global Africa Awareness Initiative (GAAI), Project PDP Reloaded and the Society for the Improvement of Time and Consciousness in Africa (SITCA).

    “In the light of the above and pursuant to the mandate of the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Social Development and Special Duties, the approval of President Goodluck Jonathan has been obtained to bring together all relevant stakeholders to organize an exhibition on the transformation of Nigeria within the last four years covering key sectors of the economy. The exhibition is going to be a three-day event at the International Conference Center (ICC), Abuja,” Pane stated.

     

     

  • Jonathan has abandoned Nigerians – Oyegun

    Jonathan has abandoned Nigerians – Oyegun

    The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, on Thursday said President Goodluck Jonathan has abandoned Nigerians and cannot lay claim to a re-election ticket.

    He dismissed Jonathan’s speech at the presidential declaration ceremony on Tuesday as empty and full of voodoo statistics.

    He asked Nigerians not to give the Peoples Democratic Party which had savaged the nation for 15 years another opportunity to “finish off” Nigeria.

    He said if given the chance, APC will rebuild Nigeria and reclaim all seized territories from Boko Haram insurgents.

    Oyegun, who made the submissions on the state of the nation at a briefing in Abuja, said APC will make history in the next few months by defeating the ruling party.

    He insisted that APC will conduct the affairs of the nation “differently and better than the PDP.”

    He listed the party’s priorities as follows – Uniting Nigerians, openness and transparency, upholding the Rule of Law, defence of the territorial integrity of the nation, motivate and  equip the Armed Forces, true federalism, rebuilding and expanding infrastructure and investment in human capital, among others.

    He said: “The 2015 election will be decided on the character and leadership qualities of the Nigerian President. The Commander-in-Chief should also be “Consoler-in-Chief” bringing comfort and succor to our people in time of grief and distress.

    “You heard two days ago President Jonathan saying that good leaders do not walk away from the people, sadly though the statement is true, our President who wants another four years does not show evidence of sympathy for hundreds of thousands of our fellow citizens who are now Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) as a result of the occupation of their land by Boko Haram.

    “He brings no relief or comfort to those living under the reign of terror. About 50 young Nigerian school children were killed and several others injured in Potiskum just a few days before the extravaganza show of his declaration.

    “Yet we do not hear of a Presidential visit to the families of the victims, a pattern that has become usual. Our President lives in his comfort zone, content to utter words, and ‘minutes of silence’ that have no meaning to the victims.

    “The President has abandoned the Nigerian people. We should end the journey with President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015 and elect a leader who will be part of our lives and lead with courage and empathy.”

    Oyegun also said Jonathan has nothing new to offer since he could not fix the epileptic power sector and address the insecurity nationwide.

    He said the President’s declaration speech was full of voodoo statistics and excuses for failure.

     

  • 2015: Abuja group supports Jonathan’s re-election bid

    2015: Abuja group supports Jonathan’s re-election bid

    Indigenes of the Federal Capital Territory under the auspices of FCT Indigenes and Geo-political Leaders Forum for Goodluck 2015 have concluded plans to commence school to school campaign for the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.

    Two ex- ministers of Information, Chief Edwin Clark and Prof. Jerry Gana, according to the group are in full support of President Jonathan’s re-election bid in 2015.

    The Convener of the group, Amb. Ayuba Ngbako, who made this known at a prayer session organized to ensure the success of President Jonathan second term ambition, said the people of FCT have decided to put everything together for the President to be re-elected.

    Ngbako, who also led a road-walk campaign through strategic streets of Abuja before the prayer session, said they had written a letter to Chief Clark to let their request known to President Jonathan, for him to be courageous and answer the calls of Nigerians for him to seek re-election.

    He said, “We are happy that he has come out to declare his intention to contest and we the FCT indigenes and residents have more programmes to support his election, for him to be re-elected the second time. We are not only going to support him, we are also going to work for him, we have lined up activities that we are going to do to ensure his success during the election, activities like school to school campaign.

    “We are also going to organize Goodluck centre for young leaders and other things. We are doing all these, because, we believe that he will work more for the FCT people and Nigerians in the next four years. He put in place the National Conference which has come out to be the best for the FCT people.”

     

  • Yobe governor challenges Jonathan on blasts

    Yobe governor challenges Jonathan on blasts

    Worried by the killing of 35 students by a suicide bomber, a heart-broken Governor Ibrahim Gaidam on Monday asked President Goodluck Jonathan to explain to the people why insurgents were having a field day in the state despite the imposition of emergency rule.

    He said the Federal Government must take action instead of indulging in the condemnation of such dastardly attacks.

    The governor spoke in a statement issued through his Special Adviser on Press Affairs and Information, Abdullahi Bego.

    It was the first time the quiet governor will bare his mind in a distraught manner.

    The statement said: “This morning, our state woke up to a very sad and heart-breaking news of a bomb attack on our young students at Government Comprehensive School, Potiskum, in which no fewer than 35 students were killed and many more injured.

    “The thoughts of His Excellency, Governor Ibrahim Gaidam and his prayers are with the parents, teachers and families of the innocent victims of this callous and reprehensible attack.

    “The governor is heartbroken and words cannot adequately convey the extent of his remorse and sadness.

    “The governor has noted that this is the fifth time in a little over one year when our schools in Yobe State were brutally attacked and students killed. There was Government Secondary School, Damaturu; Government Secondary School Mamudo; College of Agriculture, Gujba; Federal Government College, Buni-Yadi; and now Government Comprehensive School, Potiskum.

    “Governor Gaidam deeply regrets that all of these dastardly attacks took place under a climate of Emergency Rule declared in Yobe, Borno and Adamawa States by President Goodluck Jonathan.

    “In theory, the Emergency Rule Declaration was a signal that more vigorous steps would be taken to protect the lives and property of people in the affected states and deploy the full might of the federal government to restore peace and security.

    “Unfortunately, this has not been fully the case. Instead of forcing insurgents and criminals to flee, the insurgents are forcing innocent people to flee and making life miserable for everyone.

    “Governor Gaidam believes that President Goodluck Jonathan has a very urgent responsibility to explain to the people of Yobe State and people all across the affected states why murderous and callous insurgent and criminal attacks are still on the rise despite the State of Emergency.”

    The governor demanded immediate action by the federal government to stem the tide of bombings in the state.

  • Jonathan tasks oil producing nations on falling prices

    Jonathan tasks oil producing nations on falling prices

    President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday charged oil producing countries to cooperate more and work together to overcome the current challenge of falling crude oil prices.

    He spoke at an audience with Angola’s new Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Eustaquio Janeiero Quibato, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Jonathan, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said that African oil producing countries must to come together and strategize on the best ways of protecting their domestic economies from the vagaries of fluctuating oil prices.

    He said: “We are blessed with oil and we must continue to do all that we possibly can to maximize its benefits for our countries and the African continent.”

    Calling for the expansion of trade, economic, cultural and political cooperation between the two countries, he said that Nigeria and Angola have always had cordial bilateral relations.

    “For years, we have had a solid relationship. Historically, we have been together. So Nigeria and Angola should also work with greater synergy at continental and global fora,” he added.

    At another audience with Hungary’s new Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Ternak Gabor, the President called for greater international support and assistance for the West African countries that continue to be plagued by the Ebola Virus Disease.

    He also received Letters of Credence from the new ambassador of Burundi, Mr. Mathias Haranungarawe and the new ambassador of Serbia, Prof. Jovan Maric.

    He wished all the new ambassadors very successful tenures in Nigeria and assured them that they will receive the full cooperation of the Federal Government as they work to enhance bilateral relations between their countries and Nigeria.

     

  • Jonathan: Police to close major routes in Abuja Tuesday

    Jonathan: Police to close major routes in Abuja Tuesday

    The Nigeria Police Force on Monday said major routes in Abuja will be closed because of President Goodluck Jonathan’s declaration of his re-election bid on Tuesday.

    The police explained that diversion of route is one of the proactive security measures put in place to avoid break down of law and order during the event.

    Motorists in Abuja have been advised to use alternative routes to avoid traffic gridlock.

    The route will be shut between 5:00am and 8:00pm on Tuesday.

    The statement with the heading: “Diversion of vehicular traffic within and around Central Business District, Abuja,” was signed by the Force Public Relations Officers, Emmanuel Ojukwu.

    It reads: “This is to alert the public of a major event taking place at Eagle Square Abuja tomorrow Tuesday, 11th November, 2014.

    “Members of the public are advised to use alternative routes, as vehicular traffic will be diverted from most of the roads leading in and out of Eagle Square Central Business District, Abuja between 5:00am and 8:00pm of Tuesday, 11th November, 2014.

    “The Nigeria Police Force regrets any inconvenience the diversion of vehicular movements within the area may cause members of the public, as this is one of the proactive security measures put in place to avoid break down of law and order in the area and Abuja at large.”

  • Jonathan to attend ECOWAS summit on Ebola

    Jonathan to attend ECOWAS summit on Ebola

    President Goodluck Jonathan will on Thursday join other leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Accra, Ghana, for an Emergency Summit on the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) which is still ravaging Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.

    A statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said the emergency summit will also be attended by representatives of the United Nations and the World Health Organisation.

    The meeting, it said, will seek greater international support and collaboration for the containment of the Ebola outbreak.

    Jonathan will be accompanied to the summit by the Supervising Minister of Health, Dr. Khaliru Alhassan and the Director of the National Centre for Disease Control, Dr. Abdulsalami Nasidi.

    The President is expected to avail the gathering of the benefit of Nigeria’s successful containment of the virus after it entered the country in July this year through a traveller from Liberia.

    He will return to Abuja at the conclusion of the one-day summit.

  • Insecurity: Tinubu asks Jonathan to resign

    Insecurity: Tinubu asks Jonathan to resign

    The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday said President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration lacks the wherewithal to tackle the country’s security challenges.

    The former Lagos State governor therefore asked Jonathan to resign as Nigerian president.

    The APC chieftain spoke in Ilorin, Kwara State, during the formal declaration of Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed’s bid for second term in office.

    The event was attended by former head of state and APC’s presidential aspirant, Muhammadu Buhari, former vice Abubakar Atiku and governors of Imo, Rivers, Kano, Sokoto and Edo States.

    Also in attendance were – the Speaker of House of Representative, Aminu Tambuwal, Senator Bukola Saraki, former governors of Kwara and Ekiti States, Alhaji Shaaba Lafiagi and Dr. Kayode Fayemi, APC’s spokesperson, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, member, Board of Trustees of the party, Alhaji Abubakar Baraje and  Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Razak Atunwa.

    Tinubu said, “I saw the sea of refuges caused by the Boko Haram insurgents and the lies coming from Jonathan’s administration. They have exhibited failure, lack of capacity, vision and creativity. The lies of yesterday are what they repeat today and are what they will repeat tomorrow. They are lying to you.

    “They are lying about the security, toying about the security of this country. I don’t have time to explain the logic of their lies.

    “But if you control the armed forces and you are the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic, why should any part of this country be under occupation? And you give us excuses every day. In any civilized country Jonathan should have resigned. But if he will not resign, he should wait for our broom, we will sweep him away. I will come back.

    “This is just the endorsement of Governor Ahmed, that he will be re-elected by the grace of God with the support of you people here and those outside there. The unemployment situation will be conquered by this administration of APC. We have the vision for the security of the lives of our children.

    “The thieves that daily steal your money have not given you any job, they cannot create jobs and they are starving states of funds to pay workers salaries. The best thing to do is to sweep them away through broom revolution. APC is a party of the masses.

    “It now behooves on you to begin a house to house campaign that this is a party of the masses.”

     

     

  • Jonathan to politicians: Shun desperation ahead of 2015

    Jonathan to politicians: Shun desperation ahead of 2015

    President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday urged political office seekers to shun desperation, saying their ambitions should never be “do or die” in the interest of the nation.

    The President made the appeal at Otuabula 2, the headquarters of Ward 13 in Ogbia, while monitoring the conduct of the Peoples Democratic Party’s congress in Bayelsa.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Jonathan also warned the leadership of the party at all levels against the imposition of candidates for various offices.

    He said such stance could adversely affect the fortunes of the party in the forthcoming general election in the country.

    He, however, urged all the candidates to be loyal to their party leadership.

    The President commended the peaceful conduct of the Ward Congress of the PDP in Bayelsa.

    The Ward Chairman, Mr. Blessing Odeh, later presented Jonathan with membership card number 2851001.

    The First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, was also presented with membership card number 2851002.

    The state’s Governor, Seriake Dickson, lauded the leadership and members of PDP for their peaceful conduct during the party’s ward congress  in the state.

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  • 2015: Jonathan gets N98m donations for nomination form

    2015: Jonathan gets N98m donations for nomination form

    President Goodluck Jonathan has received a total donations and pledges of N98.165 million from some Nigerians and communities towards assisting him purchase the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential nomination form which costs N22 million.

    This was disclosed by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Dr. Reuben Abati, while briefing State House correspondents in Abuja.

    According to him, arrangements have been concluded for the President to buy his nomination form on Thursday.

    Abati said: “President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will tomorrow, Thursday, October 30 pick up the PDP nomination form for the 2015 Presidential elections.

    “President Jonathan thanks all Nigerians, members of the PDP, friends, associates, and all groups who in sincere appreciation of the achievements of the administration in the last four years, have been urging him to seek a second term in office.

    “President Jonathan is greatly encouraged by the overwhelming outpouring of goodwill and support, as well as the confidence of the generality of Nigerians in his ability to continue to transform the country for the good of all of its people.

    “The President is also grateful to all the persons, groups and communities who have sent donations, and made pledges to assist him to pay the required N22 million for the PDP presidential nomination fee and expression of interest form.”

    The President assured the donors that he will continue to do his utmost best at all times to fully justify the great confidence they have placed in his leadership.

    Abati listed the donations and pledges to include: Mr. Kennedy Ikenna Odoeme – N5, 000, Mr. Ezemagu Sunday Nnamdi – N10, 000, PDP Governors – N22million, Transformation Agenda of Nigeria  (TAN) – N22m, Ogbia LGA Stakeholders, Bayelsa State – N5million, Otuoke Community Stakeholders – N2million, Brass LGA Stakeholders, Bayelsa state – N50, 000, Bayelsa State PDP Stakeholders- N5million, Northern Youths’ Forum – N2million, Central Market Traders Union, Kaduna State – N1million, PDP Stakeholders, Zaria LGA – N500, 000 and PDP Stakeholders, Yobe State – N500, 000″

    Others are – PDP Stakeholders, Kaduna State- N2million, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore – N5million, The Goodluck Support Group, Gombe State – N1million, Adamawa State PDP Stakeholders – N3million,  Ebonyi State PDP Stakeholders- N2million, Kogi State PDP Stakeholders – N5million, Rivers State PDP Stakeholders – N5million, The 2015 Project – N1million, Team Goodluck, Ondo North Senatorial District – N5million, Middle Belt PDP Women Support  Group for GEJ 2015 – N500, 000, King David Generation Foundation, Jos – N200, 000,  Behwong Weneng Yere Duk, Jos – N200,000, Redemption 3 Youth Organization, Plateau State – N500, 000,  Plateau State Indigenes Association, Abuja – N300,000, Gombe Youth United for Goodluck Ebele Jonathan 2015 – N500, 000, Gombe Youth Vanguard for PDP- N500, 000, Yamahu/Deba Goodluck Support Group – N200, 000,  Coalition of Gombe Support Groups for Goodluck Ebele Jonathan – N2million, Hinna Youth Coalition for Goodluck – N500, 000, Nigerian Women Pray for Jonathan – N1million, National Association of Widows – N100, 000, National Council of Women Societies – N500, 000,  Female members of the PDP Board of Trustees – N500,000, Joint Association of Persons with Disabilities – N100,000,  National Association of Market Women – N500, 000, Community Awareness and Development Network – N1million.