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Tag: President Jonathan

  • Jonathan okay, speaks at investors’ council meeting

    Jonathan okay, speaks at investors’ council meeting

    President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday addressed the ongoing meeting of Nigeria’s Honourary International Investors’ Council in London having made a speedy recovery from illness.

    The President reportedly fell sick on Thursday and sought medical attention at an undisclosed hospital in the British capital.

    A statement issued by his media aide, Dr. Reuben Abati, said the President after apologising to the council members over his absence on Thursday, said his administration has attained significant momentum on the drive to attract new investors into the country and will continue to encourage existing investors within the country to expand.

    President Jonathan said, “In 2014, we must not lose this momentum, but rather broaden our interventions to address other difficult issues like the high cost of financing in the country, and the dearth of adequate skills.

    “This 15th meeting builds on the last conversation we had in Abuja and begins to address the fundamental issues constraining competitiveness and investment in Nigeria. Competitiveness ultimately drives profitability, which is what investors are seeking worldwide.

    “To be competitive, we must address long standing issues, and introduce bold and courageous reforms, regardless of short term political pressures. This is why my government has remained steadfast in making Nigeria the preferred location for investors to do business, because it is our only pathway to create jobs, generate wealth, and guarantee our security.

    “In building a truly competitive environment for business, we are addressing the fundamental issues such as internal security and power supply head-on. For the first time in Nigeria’s 53 year history, we have successfully privatized the electric power industry.

    “We are bringing capital, technology, and operational excellence into the sector. As a result, 11 distribution companies, and four (4) generation companies have been privatized, realising over US$3 billion for Government. For Council’s information the assets were finally handed over on 1st November, 2013.

    “I am delighted to inform you that investors are responding positively to the opportunities in the sector and we expect to see significant investments in the sector and across the value chain going forward. Ladies and Gentlemen, resolving the power sector alone, completely changes the paradigm on doing business in Nigeria, and we are satisfied with the progress made.

    “Equally, although challenges remain, we are investing in the requisite security infrastructure and intelligence network that will enable us deal more effectively with the new threats we face which can and do hamper investor confidence in our economy.

    “In ensuring that the environment is suitable for investment, we will also continue to intensify the fight against corruption. We are indeed happy that the private sector has begun complementing our strong desire to tackle all forms of rent seeking tendencies. The ‘Clean Business Nigeria Today’ initiative coming from the meetings of the Council is a very good example.

    “I also use this opportunity to inform Council that Nigeria will be hosting the World Economic Forum on Africa, between the 7th and 9th of May 2014.

    “Our hosting this event is yet again a strong sign of Nigeria’s central economic and political role on the continent. The forthcoming World Economic Forum will be used to shape matters of inclusive growth on the continent, and I invite all members of Council to join us in Abuja in May 2014.”

    The President participated in a discussion of the presentation by the Minister of Communications Technology, Ms. Omobola Johnson, on the development of ICT infrastructure in Nigeria.

    He was also briefed on the council’s deliberations on Thursday on measures to secure additional sources of financing for essential development projects in Nigeria.

    Baroness Lynda Chalker, who coordinates the council, told President Jonathan that its members felt much more positive about the opening up of investment opportunities in Nigeria.

    She said the attendance at the ongoing meeting of the Council was the highest ever in its history and that its members were very excited about the emerging potentials of the Nigerian economy.

     

     

  • Jonathan falls ill in London

    Jonathan falls ill in London

    President Goodluck Jonathan, who is on a trip to London for Nigeria’s Honorary International Investors’ Council meeting, has falling ill and could not attend opening session of the meeting on Thursday.

    This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati.

    The President, who marked his birthday on Wednesday, has seen medical practitioners in London and advised to rest for a few days.

    The statement reads: “In the course of his on-going visit to London for a meeting of Nigeria’s Honorary International Investors’ Council, President Goodluck Jonathan became indisposed and could not be present at the opening of the meeting today.”

    “President Jonathan has since been examined by competent medical practitioners. He has been advised to rest for a few days.”

    “The Presidency wishes to assure all Nigerians that President Jonathan’s condition is nothing serious and that the medical attention he has sought is only precautionary.”

  • Jonathan heads to London for investors’ meeting

    Jonathan heads to London for investors’ meeting

    President Goodluck Jonathan is expected to leave Abuja in the early hours of Wednesday for a three-day meeting of Nigeria’s Honourary International Investors’ Council in London.

    A statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said that President Jonathan is scheduled to preside over the meeting.

    According to him, issues on the agenda of the meeting include generating long-term affordable finance for Nigeria’s real sector, developing Nigeria’s private equity and venture capital sectors to attract more foreign investments and Nigeria’s information and communications technology master-plan.

    The statement reads: “The meeting of the council which is coordinated by Baroness Lynda Chalker will also feature a review of Nigeria’s existing investment policies by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the Paris-based international organization dedicated to the promotion of policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world.

    “Members of the council include the CEO of the Investment Corporation of Dubai, Mr. Mohammed al Shaibani, a former South African Minister of Public Enterprises, Mr. Alec Erwin, the Vice President of Hewlett-Packard’s Enterprise Group in Europe, Middle-East and Africa, Mr. Olivier Suinat, a former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Shaukat Aziz and the Director of Shell’s International Upstream Business, Mr. Andrew Brown.”

    President Jonathan will be accompanied by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State, Senator Emmanuel Paulker, Senator Nenadi Usman, Hon. Sylvester Ogbaga, Hon. Isiaka Bawa and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

    Also on the trip are the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investments, Dr. Olusegun Aganga and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Alhaji Lamido Sanusi, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Allison-Madueke and the Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson.

    The Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, the Minister of Special Duties, Alhaji Kabiru Turaki, the Minister of State I (Foreign Affairs), Prof. Viola Onwuliri and heads of relevant government agencies will also be on the trip.

     

     

  • Sekibo will be greatly missed – Jonathan

    President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday expressed sadness over the sudden death of the President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Chief Tari Sekibo.

    In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the President extended condolences to Chief Sekibo’s family, the people of his hometown, Okrika, the leadership of the INC and all Ijaw people.

    He joined them in mourning the former senator who served with distinction in the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly between 1979 and 1983 and doing his best to defend the interests of his people while always upholding the unity and territorial integrity of Nigeria.

    President Jonathan believed that Chief Sekibo, who brought immense sagacity, maturity and years of political experience to his leadership of the INC following his election as its president last May, will be greatly missed by the Ijaw and all lovers of peaceful co-existence and national unity.

     

  • Jonathan misses 2014 Budget presentation

    Jonathan misses 2014 Budget presentation

    President Goodluck Jonathan made history on Tuesday as the only President that has missed two consecutive budget presentation appointments with the National Assembly.

    It became glaring at 9:50am when the Sergeants-at-arm began the removal of the the labeling and demarcations meant for the joint sitting in the Green Chamber that the President would not honour the National Assembly with his presence as far as the 2014 budget is concerned.

    Senators and House of Representatives members that spoke with The Nation expressed deep disappointment at the action of the President.

    This is the second time the 2014 budget presentation would be shelved. The presentation which ought to have been made on November 12 was cancelled based on differences over the 2014-2016 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP), especially on the oil benchmark.

    While the Presidency fixed $74 for the benchmark, the Senate passed $76.5 while the House fixed $79 in the MTEF.

    There had been insinuations that because of the disparity between the benchmark adopted by the Senate for the 2014 budget and the one adopted by the House the President will not be able to present the budget on Tuesday.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers immediately went into a closed door meeting which The Nation gathered was meant to discuss the aborted presentation and come up with a position on the implication of the president’s action.

    However, The Nation learnt that the APC was not well disposed to the “drop-on-the-table” budget presentation style currently adopted by President Jonathan and may move against the presentation of the budget by any delegated authority safe the President.

     

     

  • Jonathan presents 2014 budget November 19

    Jonathan presents 2014 budget November 19

    Sequel to the postponement of the scheduled presentation of the 2014 budget before a joint sitting of the two chambers of the National Assembly on Tuesday, President Goodluck Jonathan will now present the budget before the lawmakers on November 19.

    A letter to this effect with the short title: “Re: 2014 Budget,” from the President and addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal reads in part:

    “Sequel to” my letter of 23rd October 2013 requesting that the Honourable House grant me the slot of 12:00 noon on Tuesday, 12th November 2013 to enable me formally address a Joint Session of the National Assembly on the 2014 Budget, emergent circumstances have necessitated my having to request for a new date of Tuesday, 19th November 2013 at the same time.

    “It is my hope that the Honourable Members will in your usual tradition, favourably consider my request.”

    The president has also sent a report to the National Assembly justifying the reason he asked for an extension of the emergency rule in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States.

    In a letter dated November 5, 2013 and addressed to the Speaker with the title: ” Re: Extension of the period for the Proclamation of a state of Emergency,” Jonathan said he has attached a report by the Chief of Army Staff on the current situation in the affected areas.

     

  • Jonathan charges ADC on performance

    Jonathan charges ADC on performance

    President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday charged his Aide De Camp (ADC), Ojogbane Adegbe to do more in line with his new rank of Colonel in the Nigerian Army.

    He gave the charge while officially decorating him with the new rank at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    He said: “When you are given higher authority you are expected to perform according to your status. We hope that whatever you have been doing very well, now you will even do more. We wish you success in your career.

    “I thank the service chiefs for finding time to be here in this ceremony. You are a privilege colonel otherwise they would not be here.

    “To wear a rank is very prestigious. When you are given higher authority you are expected to perform more.

    He went on: “We have to thank God for today, whatsoever happens to a man, he gives glory to God. Privileges and opportunities that we have are not necessarily by our own efforts. No matter how you struggle in life if it is not the will of God that you get what you see yourself getting, you may not.”

    “For obvious reasons God gives us different opportunities and privileges. Today’s own we are thankful to God that Adegbe has now moved from Lt. Col. to full Colonel.”

    Recalling his experience in uniform, he said: “My experience in service that you have ranks. To wear a rank is very prestigious. I entered the preventive service of the customs, then it was called custom police before the merger and after school certificate we were recruited as assistant preventive officers to level three with sea green epaulets no rank.”

    “After your school certificate, if you make it they give you one stripe preventive officer. When I got that rank, I was happier than the day that I received my P.hd.”

    Speaking with State House correspondents at the end of the ceremony, Col. Adegbe thanked God for the opportunity and the promotion.

    He said: “Promotion comes from God alone and this has not been because I deserve it but because God who shows mercy and grace has allowed it to happen.”

    He thanked the President for personally taking charge of the decoration.

     

  • Jonathan hails world-conquering Eaglets

    Jonathan hails world-conquering Eaglets

    … Hosts team Sunday

    President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday congratulated the victorious Golden Eaglets who won the FIFA U-17 World cup in the United Arab Emirates.

    Eaglets defeated their Mexican counterparts 3-0 in the final match played at the Mohammad Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

    A statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Dr. Reuben Abati, reads: “On behalf of himself, the Federal Government and all Nigerians, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan congratulates the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria on their 3-0 triumph over Mexico in the final match of the 2013 FIFA Under-17 World Soccer Championship played Friday evening in Abu Dhabi.”

    “He joined other happy Nigerians in saluting the glorious achievement of the Eaglets in winning the Under-17 Soccer Championship for an unprecedented fourth time.

    “President Jonathan commended the young Eaglets for the exemplary commitment, dedication, resilience, determination, patriotism and unity of purpose they displayed throughout the tournament to make Nigeria the World’s Under-17 Football Champion once again.

    “In fulfillment of his promise of a heroes’ welcome for the triumphant Golden Eaglets on their return home, President Jonathan will host a grand reception for the team at the Banquet Hall of the State House at 1900 Hours on Sunday, November 10, 2013 in appreciation of the great honour and glory they have brought to their fatherland.

    “The President also urged the leadership of the Nigerian Football Federation to strive to ensure that the world-conquering Eaglets, who have shown such immense potentials as youngsters, are properly nurtured, trained and developed to represent the nation at higher levels in future international football competitions.

    “He wishes the Golden Eaglets and their handlers a safe journey home and looks forward to receiving them in Abuja on Sunday.”

     

  • Jonathan approves $4b for electricity transmission

    Jonathan approves $4b for electricity transmission

    President Goodluck Jonathan has approved the sum of $4 billion to boost electricity transmission in the country.

    The Minister of Power and Steel, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, disclosed this on Friday at the official commissioning of 1 X 150MVA, 330/132kv Transformer at Ayede 330/132kv Substation, Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

    Nebo added that the president had also approved a master plan for a national grid which will provide power to all rural areas in the country.

    This, according to him, will have a national transformation impact on the country’s electricity supply.

    He said, “Not only will the national grid be a lot more reliable, but will be a lot more effective in places where there is no power before in Nigeria. It will also have a huge impact on the entire Nigeria populace.”

    The minister also disclosed that Nigeria has a metering gap of three million, adding that it is a huge market for meters manufacturers to tap into.

    Commenting on the fate of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria workers, he noted that:”over 40,000 of the 47,000 PHCN workers has been paid off, saying the government is also working hard to ensure that the remaining 7,000 workers whose bio-metric capturing was not perfect were attended to.”

     

  • Jonathan seeks extension of emergency rule in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa

    Jonathan seeks extension of emergency rule in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa

    President Goodluck Jonathan Wednesday sought the approval of the National Assembly to extend the ongoing emergency rule in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States for another six months.

    The emergency rule which was imposed by the Federal Government on May 14, 2013 following rising insecurity in the areas will elapse on November 12, 2013.

    Jonathan’s request was contained in a letter dated November 5, 2013 and entitled: “Re-Extension of the period for the proclamation of a state of emergency.”

    The letter was read by Senate President David Mark at plenary.

    Jonathan however noted that the security agencies with the support of the citizens in the affected areas, have “achieved considerable successes in containing the activities of the terrorist elements.”

    The letter reads in part: “May I respectfully draw your attention to the State of Emergency Proclamation  2013, in respect of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States, which was approved by the National Assembly.

    “By virtue of the provisions of Section 305(6) (c) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, the Proclamation aforementioned will elapse after a period of six months from the date of approval except the period is extended by the National Assembly.

    “As a result of the laudable efforts of our security agencies and the support of the citizens in the affected areas, we have achieved considerable successes in containing the activities of the terrorist elements. However, some security challenges still exist in a few parts.

    “Consequently, it has become pertinent to request the approval of the Distinguished Senate for an extension of the State of Emergency for a further period of six months, during which time it is expected that normalcy would have been fully restored.

    “In view of the foregoing, I most respectfully request the Distinguished Senate to consider and approve by resolution the extension of the Proclamation of the State of Emergency by a further period of six months with effect from the 12th of November 2013.”