Governance in Nigeria: President Goodluck Jonathan Speaks and I Quote!

[Shola Sholaz]

he has more wrong than right

[Glory Skales Charity]

we have nt seen any improvement so far joor.na wash

[MyInfoStride]

Recent updates about President Goodluck Jonathan's Facebook Wall posts:


Today: 6th February, 2013

Again, coach Keshi and our skillful and patriotic players have shown the world the indomitable Nigerian spirit. It is this spirit that Nigeria's leading lights came together to celebrate on Monday the 4th of February 2013 as we began our centenary celebrations. The Super Eagles have done us proud, the Cup is within reach and Nigeria is indeed grateful and expectant of a special centenary gift from our players. GEJ


Yesterday: 5th February, 2013

Dear friends on facebook,

The determination of this administration to create wealth in Nigeria and for Nigerians has led us to focus our investment drive towards attracting Foreign Direct Investments in manufacturing and the service sector to ensure that jobs are created. And this drive is not an exercise in futility as Nigeria is becoming the preferred destination for FDI. Just last week, General Electric announced a decision to invest $1 billion in setting up a manufacturing plant to support power generation and oil production. Their plant, to be situated in Calabar, will provide jobs for thousands with multiplier effect for tens of thousands more and will make Nigeria a hub for power equipment in the region. The end result of this investment is that Nigeria's power generating infrastructure will be expanded meaning more power for Nigerians which translates to even more jobs.

While we continue to encourage the Private Sector to help grow our economy and create jobs for our youths, we will do all within our powers to also keep our youths engaged. In this regard I am happy to report that the 600 bed Federal Teaching Hospital in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State which this administration began working on in February 2011 has reached 95% completion and when commissioned later this year it will provide jobs for 3000 people. Similar projects are ongoing in other geo-political zones and I will keep you updated.

Read more: Job Creation, A Priority For Goodluck Jonathan's Administration


Sunday: 3rd February, 2013

The Super Eagles played well in their match against Côte d'Ivoire. I am very proud of our able representatives at the ongoing AFCoN tournament. They showed the true Nigerian spirit. To coach Keshi and the players, we are all behind you and will cheer as you soar like the great Eagles to victory. GEJ

YOUR COMMENT PLEASE!

[MyInfoStride]

Recent updates about President Goodluck Jonathan's Facebook Wall posts:


13th February, 2013

Today (13th February, 2013) marks the 37th anniversary of the death of General Murtala Ramat Mohammed, the great patriot who paid the ultimate price for Nigeria. I urge all Nigerians to remember the life and times of this hero of Nigeria who proved the truism in the maxim that people may die but ideas never die. Today, his ideas live after him-Abuja as the Federal Capital of a united strong and prospering Nigeria and Democracy thriving all over the nation. But perhaps most prophetic is his speech at the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in January of 1976 where he said 'Africa has come of age'. Almost 37 years to the day, all Nigerians celebrate our victorious Super Eagles who to paraphrase Murtala's words proved that Nigeria 'has come of age'. I thank God for giving us such a patriot and pray that the labours of our heroes past shall never be in vain. GEJ


10th February, 2013

I am overjoyed at the stunning victory of the Super Eagles which has seen Nigeria emerge as the champions of the African Cup of Nations, 2013. Well done Patriots, you have done Nigeria proud. 2013 is obviously the year of Nigeria. We have emerged as a beacon of hope on the African continent by proving to Africa and the world that a strong Nigerian team put together and trained by a Nigerian coach can stand the test of time and successfully rise to the challenge of a most formidable opponent. The Nigerian spirit stands strong and steady as we march to the destination of greatness. I doff my fedora hat to this great squad that has brought laughter and happiness to our homes. Nigerians are grateful. We thank God. We thank you. GEJ

SHARE YOUR COMMENTS

[MyInfoStride]

Recent updates about President Goodluck Jonathan's Facebook Wall posts:



4th March, 2013

This past weekend I hosted Nollywood, the Nigerian movie industry, to a reception to celebrate a glorious 20th anniversary of the industry. The event was an opportunity to celebrate creativity, excellence, hard work and togetherness. Twenty years ago we looked to other parts of the world for movie entertainment. Today, millions around the world are looking towards Nigeria. The focus on Nigeria is not just in entertainment but in wealth creation as well. I received news from KPMG, one of the world's leading financial advisory firms, to the effect that Nigeria is amongst the world's top 4 preferred investment destinations. This is an affirmation of Nigeria's reforms which has seen an increase in our Gross Domestic Product, Per Capita Income and a movement towards reduction in our poverty rates. My dear friends on facebook, I will not be satisfied until we can get all our youths to work, improve our infrastructure: roads, rail, power, aviation. Things are looking up, Nigeria is a haven for investors and this administration is also taking steps to protect the interests of domestic entrepreneurs. GEJ


25th February, 2013

Today, I want to wish a genuine Nigerian patriot, President Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari, GCFR, a happy birthday. Since the time you were 'Beckoned to Serve' you have consistently demonstrated the humility of a servant leader. As a democrat per excellence, you always reached out to all the peoples of Nigeria in persuasion rather than dictation. On behalf of my family and the people of Nigeria, I felicitate with you and your family as you mark your 88th birthday and pray for God to give you a long life of further service to Nigeria. Happy Birthday sir. GEJ

[MyInfoStride]

Recent updates about President Goodluck Jonathan's Facebook Wall posts:



3rd May, 2013

In January last year, I had cause to brief our nation on my determination to sanitize the oil industry in order that it would be run in a most businesslike manner such that Nigeria receives value for her God given resources and investments. I had earlier taken strong action with regard to the power sector. The goal was to arrive at the destination of self-sufficiency where waste and inefficiency is eliminated and electricity is available to meet the needs of our citizens.

I have received briefings that previously closed petroleum depots have been reopened or are about to be reopened nationwide and as at today, our domestic refining capacity has peaked at over 10 million liters per day which is our highest level in decades. Nigeria is now is on the road to meeting her fuel consumption needs domestically. Simultaneously, I have also received encouraging reports on the progress made in bringing suspects found wanting during the fuel subsidy probe to book and in accordance with the rule of law.

Two weeks ago, I hosted the Presidential Power Reform Transactions Signing Ceremony. The five power generation companies that emerged successful in the bidding process of the privatization of the sector received their certificates and are set to run their companies in a way as to guarantee electricity for domestic and industrial use even as the world is celebrating the transparent bidding process that culminated in the signing.

I want to assure you my friends on facebook that we shall put the darkness of these past decades behind us in no distant time. We shall only keep a forward movement in the critical sectors of our economy and may Almighty God help us all.

GEJ



30th March, 2013

EASTER MESSAGE TO THE NATION FROM PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR

Dear Compatriots,

I greet and felicitate with you all as we celebrate Easter which commemorates the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ after his redemptive self-sacrifice for the eternal salvation of mankind.

Irrespective of our religion or faith, all holidays provide us with a fresh opportunity to establish stronger bonds with our family, friends and all those around us for more enduring, harmonious and beneficial relationships.

As we celebrate this year's Easter therefore, I urge all Nigerians to rededicate themselves to living in peace and oneness with all members of their communities no matter their ethnicity, religious beliefs or places of origin.

By now, it ought to be an accepted fact amongst us that our immense potential for greatness in the comity of nations derives in the main from our collective strength as a country of close to 170 million people and the acclaimed richness of our diverse human resources and natural endowments.

It follows, therefore, that to successfully achieve our vision of becoming one of the most dominant nations on the global stage in the shortest possible time, we must stay together as a people and continue to effectively resist by all possible means, the evil machinations of global terrorists and their misguided domestic accomplices who seek to provoke turmoil, hatred and harmful divisions among us.

I assure all Nigerians that our security agencies, armed forces and I will continue to fully discharge our constitutional responsibilities for protecting the unity and territorial integrity of this country with all the powers and forces at our disposal.

We must have peace, security and stability to effectively implement our agenda for national transformation in all parts of the country and we shall continue to work ceaselessly to re-establish the prerequisite conditions for nationwide progress and development.

For your part, dear countrymen and women, I urge you to continue to exhibit restraint and understanding in the face of seeming provocations. Those who mindlessly and indiscriminately attack churches, schools, health workers, motor-parks, banks and ordinary road users must be seen as they truly are: the brainwashed pawns of international terrorism.

They do not represent any true religion or section of the country and we must never play into their hands by succumbing to their nefarious ploys to incite religious, ethnic hatred and division among us.

It is my hope and prayer that as we celebrate the glorious resurrection of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, his lessons of self-sacrifice, brotherly love, placing others before self, tolerance, obedience, respect for lawful authorities, dutifulness, diligence, honesty, justice and fairness to all will take firmer root in our beloved country and help us to overcome present challenges and build the more peaceful, secure, united, progressive and prosperous nation of our dreams.

I wish you all happy Easter celebrations.


Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR
President,
Federal Republic of Nigeria
March 30, 2013



10th March, 2013

I would like to wish all mothers of Nigeria a happy Mothers Day! Without the tender loving care of mothers we could not have successful, thriving communities and without successful communities you can not have a great, success-destined and endowed Nation. We owe our present and our future to God Almighty and to the mothers of Nigeria now and centuries ahead. On behalf of every Nigerian I pass on our deepest gratitude to every mother in Nigeria.

GEJ

[MyInfoStride]

Recent updates about President Goodluck Jonathan's Facebook Wall posts:


12th June, 2013

Dear friends, two weeks ago my team and I gave a mid-term report of the Transformation Agenda of this administration. Though the event was televised live, I know that Nigerians would want to take ownership of the Transformation Agenda and so I have ensured that a soft copy of the report is now available on the National Planning Commission's site www.npc.gov.ng. Please read the report and let me know what you think we have done well and how we can do better. I thank you and may God bless Nigeria.

- GEJ



14th May, 2013

ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR

ON THE DECLARATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY IN BORNO, YOBE AND ADAMAWA STATES IN ORDER TO RESTORE PUBLIC ORDER, PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY IN THE AFFECTED STATES OF THE FEDERATION

MAY 14, 2013

Dear compatriots,

1. It has become necessary for me to address you on the recent spate of terrorist activities and protracted security challenges in some parts of the country, particularly in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Kano, Plateau and most recently Bayelsa, Taraba, Benue and Nasarawa states. These unfortunate events have led to needless loss of lives and property of many innocent Nigerians including members of our security forces.

2. The recent killing of security operatives by a cult group in Nasarawa state is particularly condemnable. I have directed that no effort or expense be spared in identifying and bringing to justice all those who had a hand in the killing of the operatives.

3. The activities of insurgents and terrorists have been reprehensible, causing fear among our citizens and a near-breakdown of law and order in parts of the country, especially the North. We have taken robust steps to unravel and address the root causes of these crises, but it would appear that there is a systematic effort by insurgents and terrorists to destabilize the Nigerian state and test our collective resolve.

4. Since I returned to the country after cutting short my visit to South Africa and aborting a planned state visit to Namibia, I have received detailed briefings from our security agencies. These briefings indicate that what we are facing is not just militancy or criminality, but a rebellion and insurgency by terrorist groups which pose a very serious threat to national unity and territorial integrity. Already, some northern parts of Borno state have been taken over by groups whose allegiance is to different flags and ideologies.

5. These terrorists and insurgents seem determined to establish control and authority over parts of our beloved nation and to progressively overwhelm the rest of the country. In many places, they have destroyed the Nigerian flag and other symbols of state authority and in their place, hoisted strange flags suggesting the exercise of alternative sovereignty.

6. They have attacked government buildings and facilities. They have murdered innocent citizens and state officials. They have set houses ablaze, and taken women and children as hostages. These actions amount to a declaration of war and a deliberate attempt to undermine the authority of the Nigerian state and threaten her territorial integrity. As a responsible government, we will not tolerate this.

7. Previously, we adopted a multi-track approach to the resolution of this problem through actions which included persuasion, dialogue and widespread consultation with the political, religious and community leaders in the affected states.

8. We exercised restraint to allow for all efforts by both State Governors and well-meaning Nigerians to stop the repeated cases of mindless violence.


9. Yet, the insurgents and terrorists seek to prevent government from fulfilling its constitutional obligations to the people as they pursue their fanatical agenda of mayhem, mass murder, division and separatism.


10. While the efforts at persuasion and dialogue will continue, let me reiterate that we have a sacred duty to ensure the security and well-being of all our people and protect the sovereign integrity of our country. Therefore, we shall, on no account, shy away from doing whatever becomes necessary to provide the fullest possible security for the citizens of this country in any part of the country they choose to reside.

11. We have a duty to stand firm against those who threaten the sovereign integrity of the Nigerian state. Our will is strong, because our faith lies in the indivisibility of Nigeria.

12. Following recent developments in the affected states, it has become necessary for Government to take extraordinary measures to restore normalcy. After wide consultations, and in exercise of the powers conferred on me by the provisions of Section 305, sub-section 1 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, I hereby declare a State of Emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.

13. Accordingly, the Chief of Defence Staff has been directed to immediately deploy more troops to these states for more effective internal security operations. The troops and other security agencies involved in these operations have orders to take all necessary action, within the ambit of their rules of engagement, to put an end to the impunity of insurgents and terrorists.


14. This will include the authority to arrest and detain suspects, the taking of possession and control of any building or structure used for terrorist purposes, the lock-down of any area of terrorist operation, the conduct of searches, and the apprehension of persons in illegal possession of weapons.

15. The details of this Proclamation will be transmitted to the National Assembly in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. But in the meantime, let me make it clear that within the purview of this Proclamation, the Governors and other political office holders in the affected states will continue to discharge their constitutional responsibilities.

16. I urge the political leadership in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states to co-operate maximally with the Armed Forces and the Police to ensure that the exercise succeeds. We call on the citizenry to co-operate with our security agencies to ensure a return to normalcy within the shortest possible time.

17. I am again approaching our neighbouring countries, through diplomatic channels, as done in the recent past, for their co-operation in apprehending any terrorist elements that may escape across the border.

18. Nigerians are peace-loving people; these sad events perpetrated by those who do not wish our nation well have not changed the essential character of our people.

19. I want to reassure you all that those who are directly or indirectly encouraging any form of rebellion against the Nigerian state, and their collaborators; those insurgents and terrorists who take delight in killing our security operatives, whoever they may be, wherever they may go, we will hunt them down, we will fish them out, and we will bring them to justice. No matter what it takes, we will win this war against terror.

20.I am convinced that with your support and prayers, we shall overcome these challenges and together, we will restore every part of our country to the path of peace, growth and development.

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

[MyInfoStride]

On behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, I would want to let President Jacob Zuma, the government and the people of South Africa know that we are with you in prayers at this trying times. We stand firmly with you our South African brothers and sisters and together wish our leader, the unequalled humanist, the great son of Africa, former President Nelson Mandela Gods' speed on the journey to recovery.

- GEJ

27th June, 2013

[MyInfoStride]

1st August, 2013 Update from President Goodluck Jonathan Facebook Wall:

Even in these challenging times we must encourage the good news narrative to thrive so as to drown out the unacceptable negatives in the polity. Just a few developments: The first is that MTN Nigeria limited has appointed a Nigerian, Mr. Michael Ikpoki, as its first Nigerian CEO. This appointment follows others in critical sectors and confirms to me that efforts by the Federal Government to build the capacity of the Nigerian knowledge worker and make Nigeria a regional and continental hub for excellence in business and service delivery through policy and reforms like the the Local Content Act are beginning to yield fruit. I commend MTN Nigeria limited for this appointment.

The second occurrence is the celebration by the city of Awka, in Anambra state of three weeks of uninterrupted public power supply and counting. I personally wish Nigeria had achieved this milestone decades ago, but nevertheless we are making steady progress. More cities will soon be able to have such celebrations because the Roadmap to Power Sector Reforms is having the desired effects with almost all of Nigeria's electricity Distribution companies (Discos) and Generating companies (Gencos) now in private hands as I promised on the 26th of August 2010 in Lagos when I launched the Power Roadmap. My friends on facebook, in a few years from now many will not remember the agony and anger caused by absence of electricity in our homes just as many do not now remember the long queues in front of NITEL awaiting to take or make a call.

And finally, I am most delighted to learn like the average Nigerian, that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has approved the registration of the All Progressive Congress (APC). In 2010, when I nominated outstanding men and women into INEC, I wanted citizens completely removed from me, with a consistent and verifiable history of independent activism to lead the electoral body so that it could be truly independent and free and be seen by the public to be truly free from government influence. I commend INEC for their efforts so far and urge that the commission continues to be guided by patriotic considerations in its decisions.

My dear friends on facebook, my commitment to building strong institutions so as to help sustain and strengthen our democracy remains unshakable. It is true that our press is acknowledged to be the freest in Africa and one of the freest in the world. It is true that Nigeria has been recognized as being the foremost recipient for Foreign Direct Investment, FDI, in Africa as well as poised to have Africa's largest Gross Domestic Product, GDP, in the next few years which are indications that our economy is growing. It is true that reforms in Agriculture, Petroleum, Aviation, Works, Finance, Transport, and other sectors have positive impact on our economy. Dear friends, I will not rest until all these reforms and good news have direct impact on the lives of our people at the grass roots level.

- GEJ

[MyInfoStride]

President Goodluck Jonathan extends Ramadan greeting to all Muslim Faithful!

As we mark the end of Ramadan, I want to seize this opportunity to felicitate with my Muslim brothers and sisters and the Islamic ummah for successfully accomplishing one of the acts that comprise the Five Pillars of Islam, fasting. From close encounters with the leading lights of the ummah during this season, I observed firsthand the piety and increased spirituality that the Ramadan fast inspired in believers and I am most delighted that the lessons and discipline attained from the exercise would be of immense benefit to our nation. I thank you all for your prayers and intercession for Nigeria and I urge all Nigerians to draw lessons from the glorious Ramadan that will stay with us all year long until, God willing, we meet again for Ramadan in 2014.

Ramadan Kareem.

- GEJ