We’re on probation before Nigerians, says Jonathan

[TGD]

 Asks ministers to shun corruption

Orders audit of ministries from 2007

TOUGH times await ministers who may run foul of the law through actions that are unbecoming of their offices. President Goodluck Jonathan, who swore in nine new ministers yesterday at Presidential Villa, Abuja, told members of his cabinet that they would be the focus of the reinvigorated anti-corruption crusade.

He, therefore, admonished them to be the "change agents that Nigerians need."

The members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), he said must be "responsive, responsible and accountable, because these are the core values of any genuine democracy. To continue in your positions, you must always be responsive, responsible and accountable."

The President also told the ministers that there would be a two-day retreat for all new appointees at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa from today.

He further charged them to bear in mind that they are all under probation before Nigerians.

The President railed at Nigeria's rating in the Global Corruption Index, saying it  "is embarrassing. Corruption is therefore the monster that we need to confront and defeat, in order to raise the country's integrity profile.  The war against corruption in this dispensation will start at the centre."

He said Nigeria's anti-corruption agencies have been directed to beam their searchlight on the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government, and also focus on the states and local councils, in order to send out a clear signal that no form of abuse would be tolerated.

Jonathan also said that there would be a comprehensive audit of all MDAs beginning from June 2007.

The new ministers include Dr. Mohammed Ali Pate, Chief Edem Duke, Mrs. Omobola Olubusola Johnson, Mrs. Hadiza Ibrahim Mailafia, Dr. Nurudeen Mohammed, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe, Ama Pepple, Mrs. Ezenwa Wike and Dr. Akinwumi Adewumi Adesina.

Their portfolios were not disclosed by the President. The new nine ministers bring to 40 the total members of the cabinet.

Former Minister of Finance and Managing Director of the World Bank, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is yet to be sworn in.

Presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati said she "is unavoidably absent in order to disengage from the World Bank." There is also no representative in the cabinet from Taraba State. The nominee from the state, Mr. Obadiah Ando was rejected by the Senate over his alleged irreconcilable differences with senators from the state.

Asking Nigerians not to despair, President Jonathan copiously quoted the late renowned educationist and social critic, Dr. Tai Solarin, saying that "the road ahead of us may be rough, but with sincere and purposeful leadership, we will surely succeed in transforming this country."

Solarin had in a January 1, 1964 essay said: "May your road be rough. I am not cursing you; I am wishing you what I wish myself every year. I therefore repeat, may you have a hard time this year, may there be plenty of troubles for you this year! If you are not so sure what you should say back, why not just say, same on you? I ask no more!"

President Jonathan charged the new ministers to note that with the high expectations from his administration at home and abroad, "we are expected to stabilise power supply in the country, as a minimum pre-condition for strengthening national productivity, we are expected to generate employment for our unemployed youth; we are expected to revolutionise the agricultural sector and ensure food security for the people; we are expected to sanitise the oil and gas sector; the people also want good roads, a more qualitative public school system, as well as more efficient public health and transportation systems, and so on.

"These expectations cut across all sectors. Most importantly, we are expected to protect life and property, and guarantee the welfare and happiness of all Nigerians. We cannot afford to disappoint the people.

"You must remember that Nigerians have serious concerns about the integrity of their leaders. We cannot just talk about transformation; Nigerians must see us taking serious steps in that regard. To start with, this is not a government of the ruling party; this is a government of the Nigerian people. You must prove that you deserve the portfolio that has been assigned to you. You are expected to ensure that the ministry you head serves the interest of public good, and promotes the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct. You must always remember that we are not alone in government; you will be carefully watched and assessed by other stakeholders who have as much right as you do, to be concerned about the fortunes of our country," he said.

The President rose stoutly in defence of Nigeria, noting that though some people have described Nigeria as a failed state, "we are definitely not a failed one. We are a country of talented people, who have the capacity to addressing whatever challenges our country may be facing. Other nations have passed through their own trying moments, in no way is our experience peculiar."

Jonathan stated that "with a transformational leadership that is willing and committed, we can reposition our country for economic growth and development, and win the support of all and sundry, including those who are in doubt or denial. There will be difficult decisions and tough moments ahead but we must through our efforts show that we are prepared to work in the best way to focus on the people's aspirations. It only takes committed people to do things differently. I believe you are among the group of Nigerians that can do things differently and help to move our country forward."

Jonathan, who decried the campaign of calumny and threats that preceded the choice of ministers, said: "In the course of our efforts to select this cabinet, I received disturbing reports of threats of assassination to nominees, their families and friends, and so much campaign of calumny to discourage them from coming into government to serve. This is most unfortunate; service to the nation is a patriotic duty that every citizen must look up to, and support. There is no greater responsibility than service to the nation.

"I am also aware of the comments that have trailed these appointments, both positive and negative. Honourable members of the Executive Council of the Federation, it is important for us to realise that we are all on probation in the eyes of the public. We are public servants, and we must give proper account of our stewardship to the people at all times.  I believe that this cabinet is made up of men and women who can drive our transformation programme, and work hard to make Nigeria better."

The Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade (rtd), has pledged to ensure the full implementation of the police reform agenda.

Olubolade, in a statement yesterday, vowed to take policing and general security of the Nigerian people seriously.

Olubolade, a former Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), said he believed that though the police had the mandate of protecting lives and property, the full involvement of other Nigerians is needed.



The Guardian