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Tag: President Jonathan

  • UN chief commends FG’s leadership role on MDGs

    UN chief commends FG’s leadership role on MDGs

    The United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, on Wednesday commended the Federal Government for its leadership initiative and coordinating role on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

    Ban made the commendation in his message to the event on “Transformative Agenda for Sustainable Development in Nigeria and Africa: Lessons, Actions and Emerging Perspectives” hosted by President Goodluck Jonathan.

    The UN correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event took place at the body’s Millennium Plaza in New York.

    Represented by Ms Amina Mohammed, his Special Adviser on Post-2015 Development Planning, Ban said the “Millennium Development Goals are our collective promise to the world’s most vulnerable people.”

    According to him, meeting the goals requires partnerships, policies and resources that accelerate progress.

    He said the MDGs Acceleration Framework, introduced by the government of Nigeria with the support of the UN, was a stellar example.

    “I applaud the leadership and commitment of Nigeria, and also the governments of Ghana, Kenya and South Africa in striving to accelerate progress.

    “At the same time, we must set a development agenda for beyond 2015 with poverty reduction and sustainable development at its core.

    “This means greater focus on decent jobs, better governance, freedom from crime and violence and living within the natural boundaries of our planet,’’ he said.

    The UN scribe said that Nigeria was an early mover on the “MY World survey” in which over 140,000 people took part.

    He said the information gathered had provided a vast amount of insight on the concerns and hopes of women, men, girls and boys throughout the country.

    Ban said the top eight priorities for Nigeria in the “MY World survey” reflected similar results for Africa as a whole, and notably included better job opportunities and infrastructure.

    “Your commitment in Nigeria and across the continent of Africa will help us all improve our efforts to meet people’s needs at national, regional and global levels.

    “In turn, this will contribute to a more effective multilateral system that is ‘fit for purpose’ to deliver on the post-2015 next development agenda,’’ Ban said.

    In his remarks, Jonathan said the country attained appreciable results in MDG projects and was bound to continue with greater achievements on Post-2015 MDG.

    He, however, noted that electricity was necessary for African countries to attain the MDGs, stressing that until the continent was able to achieve sustainable power supply, the MDGs would remain elusive.

    Jonathan applauded Ondo State for its tremendous achievement on MDGs, adding that some states in the country were also making efforts.

    Also, the President of Ghana, John Mahama, said that as the African continent struggle to achieve the MDGs, the girl-child should not be given out for early marriage.

    He suggested that the child-girl should be allowed to stay longer in school.

     

     

  • New PDP to Jonathan: Don’t run in 2015

    The Abubakar Baraje led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on President Goodluck Jonathan not to seek re-election in 2015.

    The faction said it decided to advise Jonathan after reviewing the state of the nation and the pulse of Nigerians on his ambition to contest the poll, saying doing so would be against the interest of the country and its people.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Chukwuemeka Eze, the party noted that the President has given enough clue of his intention to run, even although he has not declared it openly.

    “The latest of such clues came on Sunday in New York, United States. Speaking at a luncheon with Nigerian professionals in the U.S, President Jonathan insisted that he is eligible to contest in 2015 as we have a constitution that makes a provision for a maximum of eight years for anyone who wants to become a president or a governor,” the faction said.

    Baraje observed that the President had made a similar statement in April 2012, in an affidavit in response to a suit instituted at an Abuja High Court by a PDP chieftain, Cyriacus Njoku, seeking to stop him from contesting the 2015 presidential election.

    “We are worried that Mr. President is intent on running despite his earlier promise not to do so and in spite of the wise counsel of well-meaning Nigerians, including respected elder statesmen.

    The faction reminded Jonathan of a statement he made in Ankara, Turkey in February 2011, during an interactive session with Nigerians and diplomats working in the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the African Union (AU).

    The statement quoted Jonathan thus: “I would have loved that the Nigerians in Diaspora vote this year (2011) but to be frank with you, that is going to be difficult now. Presently, the law does not allow the voting outside Nigeria and so this year Nigerians in Diaspora will not vote but I will work towards it by 2015 even though I will not be running for election.”

    It also quoted the President to have said further, “Four years is enough for anyone in power to make significant improvement and if I can’t improve on power within this period, it then means I cannot do anything even if I am there for the next four years.”

    The faction said there was no way the President could deny his own statements at this point in time, since he failed to deny the statements over the past two years.

    “How does Mr. President want Nigerians and the entire world to see him for this volte face? Why can’t he keep his words as a man of honour instead of allowing himself to be misled by selfish advisers to go back on his words, thereby overheating the polity,” the statement added.

     

  • Why Nigeria deserved UN council seat – Jonathan

    Why Nigeria deserved UN council seat – Jonathan

    President Goodluck Jonathan Tuesday in New York made a strong case for Nigeria’s election to the United Nations Security Council.

    Addressing the world leaders and other delegates at the opening of the 68th Session of the General Assembly of the UN, President Jonathan declared that Nigeria’s commendable performance on previous occasions when it held a non-permanent seat on the security council, should assure the global community that the country deserved to be elected to the council again for the 2014-2015 session.

    “Our support for the United Nations Security Council in its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security has been total and unwavering.

    “We have, in previous membership of the Council, demonstrated both the political will and capacity to engage in key Council responsibilities.

    “I am pleased to state that Nigeria has received the endorsement of the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union. We therefore urge this august Assembly to endorse Nigeria’s candidature for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council,” President Jonathan said in his address to the General Assembly.

    A statement issued by his medi aide, Dr. Reuben Abati, said the President also called for faster action towards the democratisation of the Security Council, saying that Nigeria and other developing countries were concerned about the lack of progress in the reformation of the UN.

    “I believe that I express the concern of many about the slow pace of effort and apparent lack of progress in the reform of the UN, especially the Security Council. We believe strongly, that the call for democratization worldwide should not be for States only, but also, for International Organisations such as the UN.

    “That is why we call for the democratization of the Security Council. This is desirable for the enthronement of justice, equity, and fairness; and also for the promotion of a sense of inclusiveness and balance in our world,” President Jonathan said.

    Noting that the world continues to be confronted with many serious challenges, he called for a renewed and concerted effort by the international community to effectively resolve all issues that currently impede global peace, stability and progress.

     

  • SWF instrumental to fiscal discipline in Nigeria – Jonathan

    SWF instrumental to fiscal discipline in Nigeria – Jonathan

    President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday insisted that the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) is critical to maintaining fiscal discipline in Nigeria.

    Jonathan, who was represented by Vice President Namadi Sambo, also inaugurated the governing council and board of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) and issued share certificates of contribution to the SWF to the 36 states.

    Issuing the certificates to the federal, state and local government for their contribution to the Fund before the commencement of the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, the President said the inauguration of the governing council was an indication of the progress made so far in the running of the fund.

    He called on government officials at all levels to ensure that the objectives of Nigeria’s own Fund is achieved through the commitment of their contribution.

    He listed the objectives of the NSIA to include: building a saving base for future generations of Nigeria, enhancing the development of Nigeria’s infrastructure and promoting fiscal stability for the country in times of economic stress.

    He said: “Sovereign Wealth Fund all over the world has been instrumental for the instrument for fiscal discipline and development of the countries in which they exist. Our collective furnishing of the fund is re-enforced by the presentation of certificates of contribution for federal, state and local government and I urge all Nigerians and officials of all levels of government to give their full support to the NSIA to ensure that the objectives are speedily realized for the benefit of all Nigerians.

    “As you all know, these objectives include: building a saving base for future generations of Nigeria, enhancing the development of Nigeria’s infrastructure and promoting fiscal stability for the country in terms of economic strength. I am happy to report that the board and management team of the NSIA has set about implementing robust governance and investment structures towards the achievement of its laudable objectives and the international community is already taking note of their efforts.”

     

     

     

  • No deal with Jonathan on 2015 – Baraje’s faction

    The Abubakar Baraje-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that there was no deal between the faction and President Goodluck Jonathan over the President’s 2015 re-election bid.

    In a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Chukwuemeka Eze, the faction accused the Bamanga Tukur-led PDP of spreading tissues of lies on the outcome of Sunday’s meeting between Jonathan and the G-7 governors.

    Baraje said claims by Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio, that the governors had okayed Jonathan for 2015 were mere propaganda meant to deceive members of the public.

    “We wish to specifically urge Nigerians and our supporters to ignore the concocted tales of Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom and Chairman of PDP Governors Forum.

    “Akpabio lied by claiming that we have accepted that President Jonathan should contest the 2015 presidential election and that most of our demands are being met.

    “The fact of the case is that no agreement has been reached on any of the issues we tabled before the President and until we see results, Nigerians should ignore the present efforts by the Tukur camp to deceive them.

    “We advise Nigerians to ignore the tissue of lies and propaganda from the Alhaji Bamanga Tukur faction of the party on the outcome of our meeting with President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan at the Presidential Villa last Sunday, 15th September, 2013,” Baraje emphasised.

    The faction added that there is a mechanism in place to decide whether or not Jonathan would be given the green light to contest the 2015 presidential election.

    Until the time to choose the party’s presidential flag-bearer comes, any speculation on this is just a mere academic exercise, Baraje stated.

     

  • Efficiency in public health hampered by acrimony – Jonathan

    Efficiency in public health hampered by acrimony – Jonathan

    President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday maintained that the greatest challenge working against effective and efficient public health sector in the country is the acrimony and rancour among professionals in the system.

    He made the remark while inaugurating a Presidential Committee of Experts on Inter-Professional Relationship in the Public Health Sector headed by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Yayale Ahmed.

    The inauguration took place before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja.

    The President said his decision to set up the committee was to find lasting solution to the series of problems in the sector.

    He said: “It is my pleasure to welcome you to the inauguration of critical committee which I set up in the face of evident challenges in our nation’s public health system occasioned by the frosty and unhealthy relationship between the different professional cadres working in the sector.

    “This state of acrimony has compromised efficiency, effectiveness and proper coordination that thus resulting in health delivery that has not met our administration’s expectations. The direct victims of this unacceptable state of affairs are our people who at the end of the day complain bitterly.”

    Pointing out that the health sector is a cardinal priority of his administration’s transformation agenda as only healthy people can work, he said that attainment of the universal health coverage and the provision of comprehensive health care for all our citizens is a goal the administration has set for itself.

     

     

     

  • Jonathan to meet Obama in New York

    Jonathan to meet Obama in New York

    President Goodluck Jonathan is expected to hold five bilateral meetings, including one with United States President Barack Obama at the 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

    According to the Nigerian Mission, the meetings will cover the European Union, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, Lebanon as well as Trinidad and Tobago.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Jonathan is also expected to present Nigeria’s achievements under the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

    He will also identify the parameters of the post-2015 development agenda in his address to the 193-member state body, where scores of Heads of State would take to the podium next week in the annual general debate.

    Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Prof. Joy Ogwu, who was represented by a senior official at the mission, Mr. Anthony Bosah, told journalists that during the bilateral meetings, the president would touch on agriculture, infrastructure, power and solid minerals.

    Bosah said Jonathan would also intensify the country’s campaign for admission into the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member, on his arrival on Saturday.

    “Nigeria is hopeful that the campaign for a non-permanent seat is going to yield fruits with the African Union and ECOWAS giving their nod, with an exception of Gambia which is trying to split Nigeria’s votes.

    “The Central African Republic on whose ticket Chad Republic is campaigning for is no issue,’’ he said.

    According to him, Nigeria’s peacekeeping operations have track records with the UN in Mali, Guinea Bissau and Liberia, notwithstanding the opposition of those who are not giving the country their votes on account of withdrawal of Nigeria’s troops from Mali.

    “Nigeria’s domestic and foreign policies as well as democracy dividends, eminently qualify her for that seat at the Security Council,’’ Bosah added.

     

     

     

  • We must stop celebrating ill-gotten wealth – Jonathan

    We must stop celebrating ill-gotten wealth – Jonathan

    To reduce the incidence of corruption in Nigeria, President Goodluck Jonathan has advocated that Nigerians must stop celebrating ill-gotten wealth.

    The President spoke at the 54th annual conference of the Nigeria Economic Society in Abuja on Tuesday.

    He said, “For us to bring corruption down in the country, we should not just blame the government or the police but all individual must frown at people who have what they are not supposed to have, who live in houses they are not supposed to live in; who drives cars they are not supposed to drive and who wear suits that are more expensive.

    “Until we stop that, I don’t think we will get to where we want to go.

    “If a young man who just started a job and within six months or a year comes up with a car of N7million to N15million and you clap for him, then you are rewarding corruption.”

    “However, if all Nigerians collectively refuse to reward corruption and frown at it people would not be attracted to corrupt practices. But when we all reward corruption, then of course we will be tempted to go in that direction.”

    The President said he desires a Nigerian society where all of us will frown against people who come up with what they are not supposed to have.

    His administration’s approach to fighting corruption, according to him, has also been to focus on building institutions that have the capacity to overcome corrupt influences.

    “This approach uses the rule of law as a framework to fight corruption,” he said.

     

  • Jonathan submits expenditure proposal to Senate

    Jonathan submits expenditure proposal to Senate

    President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday submitted the 2014-2016 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) to the Senate for consideration and approval.

    The MTEF/FSP was read by Senate President, David Mark.

    Jonathan in the letter to the Senate noted that the submission of the MTEF and FSP was in line with the provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007.

    He added that the development towards the preparation of the 2014 budget culminated in the 2014-2016 MTEF and FSP.

    Jonathan said: “Prepared against the backdrop of global economic uncertainty, the 2014-2016 MTEF and FSP reflect the reality of our circumstance; and we will ensure that planned spending is set at prudent and sustainable levels consistent with Government’s overall medium-term developmental objectives.”

    He lauded the Senate for the enduring partnership between the legislative and executive arms of government “in our collective efforts to transform the economy of our dear country.”

     

  • Jonathan tasks African leaders on development indicators

    Jonathan tasks African leaders on development indicators

    President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday asked African leaders to make a greater effort to achieve more significant improvements on the continent’s human development indicators.

    The president spoke at an audience with Zambia’s new High Commissioner to Nigeria, Lt.-Col. Newton Nkunika (rtd), at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Jonathan said that while notable macro-economic growth had been achieved across the continent in recent years, African leaders must now focus more on translating such gains into improved living conditions for their people.

    He said that Africa’s political independence would only become truly meaningful to its citizens with visible improvements in human development indicators.

    He listed the indicators to include reduction in poverty levels, access to better healthcare facilities, good education and employment opportunities for children.

    Jonathan said the challenge of poverty had unfortunately continued to blur other achievements in Africa since the continent attained political liberation.

    He said that African leaders clearly needed to prioritise job creation and poverty reduction.

    “African countries need to improve on trade and investment as this is the only way to create jobs and to reduce poverty.

    “Nigeria will continue to encourage intra-African trade and business as that will help to move the continent forward,’’ he said.

    The president also urged other African leaders to fulfil promises of opening up their economies to greater regional and intra-continental trade.

    He also urged the leaders to reposition their countries to attract more foreign direct investments through increased political and economic stability.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the president also received letters of credence from the new Ambassador of Denmark to Nigeria, Ms. Margit Thomsen, and the new Ambassador of the Netherlands to Nigeria, Mr. Johannes Groffenf.

    Welcoming all three new ambassadors to the country, the President urged them to work for enhanced bilateral relations between their countries and Nigeria.