THEY SAID OBAMA REFUSED TO COME TO NIGERIA BECAUSE OF CORRUPTION.

 

They said he was clueless. They said Obama refused to come to Nigeria because of corruption which was a lie but instead insecurity. The weeeenshes (he or she who laughs when bad things happen to Nigeria is a weeeeensh) and the sahara report...ers and the Premium Times celebrated as did the opposition.
Thee "clueless one" said nothing. He knew GENERAL ELECTRIC are investing a billion dollars and more in Nigeria. He knew America bought well over seventy percent of what we offered and yet Obama snubbed us. OKAY NA!
So he quietly threaatened the pull back from Mali...thus increasing the refugee situation in America and likely hiding place for Al Qaeda. Then he went to China and secured soft loans worth 1.3 Billion dollars and the building of at least two dams and a lot more infrastructural development agreements.
And America panicked. The Nigerian ambassador was invited and with pride and ego asked America how they could allow Obama snub Nigeria.
And with immediate alacrity, America invites Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and Nigeria for a staate visit and not a surreptitious one.
The "clueless one", noiselessly as usual called America's bluff and America listened.

Years to come when this man GOODLUCK EBELE's JONATHAN's administration will be reviewed without the bias of tribe and region, people will realise we had a gem but like Ghana and their gold, we never valued it. NA AFRICA WAY NOT TO KNOW GOOD THINGS IN THEIR POSSESSION TILL IT IS GONE e.g FESTAC ANTIQUE OF QUEEN IDIA.See More

Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, the Nigeria President. His recent Invite to America, the Obama Question
As for those of you that seem regretting for voting President Goodluck Jonathan during the last Nigeria Presidential election, I think, it is tim...e for you to begin revaluation of his administration. I am not here to provide you with information as those who feel concerned about Nigeria will look deep into all the challenges we are faced as a Nation, where we were, where we are and where we hope to be before 2015. A government that met a dilapidated system, damaged image, week opposition as well as a “yes yes” to the western world and many other challenges which include security can now boast of improvement in all areas of National development. Today, we can however boast of developing institutional system, better image, virile opposition (though not there yet) very perked up independency from the western world. Even when I still tried to find fault in his administration’s inability to track down the sponsors of BH, the dreaded sect that has be a major security challenge to the Nation, I have no option than to believe that our constitutional provisions that made do away with crimes is a major confront here. Most people believe that I have a linking rope with his administration, let me put it straight here that, I am only being patriotic to my ideology which allows me to advocate support any government to make progress. We must learn to avoid distracting our leaders In the name of opposition. If we must criticize, it should be issue based and not for selfish purposes that we witness everyday in our political domain. I have no regret for voting President GEJ even BRF of Lagos State despite the fact, that there are many areas of improvement in their administration. Having said the above let me remind that genuine leaders are not searcher for consensus but molder of consensus. It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership. GEJ has shown that he is a President which at one time meant muscles; but today means getting along with people. We must learn to help our leaders by not finding faults at all time but remedy. I find GEJ a leader that accepts remedy when communicated accordingly. John Quincy Adams once said, ‘’if your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader. Today, ACN, CPC, ANPP and others have been made to do just that to come up with APC. GEJ at times turns his backside to the pop group not because he isn’t listening to them but because, a man who must lead the orchestra must turn his back to the crowd. I will always say, the major challenge for GEJ is the sycophants around him out for their selfish purposes. He must revisit his ‘kitchen cabinet because for a leader to succeed he must be careful of the environment or friends you choose for they will shape you or be like them respectively. Once again, I encourage us to learn to support our leaders, criticize clinically on issue based when necessary to reshape our society for better tomorrow.
Let me conclude this with the recent invitation to have meeting with President Obama of America. There is no doubt that our President recent actions on his move to China, recall of our troop to Mali and many other showing in his body movement may have put the America that call them self the world leader in a tight corner to begin to rethink in her action against Nigeria. There is no country in the world without their challenges; Nigeria should not be an exception. Obama calling a bluff to Nigeria should realize that, even in America and other part of the world, Nigerians are making waves providing value toward their strong economy in the respective Nations of their resident. I therefore ask all Nigerians both home and abroad to join and assist to call on my President to call a bluff on the invitation by sending a representative if necessary. Then, America will come proper for dialogue to renew our relationship. Yes, every bad leader has his own good sides. I trust General Abacha of blessed memory; he will make sure he blocked the message from reaching the shore of Nigeria in the first instance and not to talk about receiving the invite. I trust President Mugagbe; he will give it back to him. I repeat, our President, should call the invite a pass off. Nigeria actually got nothing to lose but lots to gain with such action as all these western countries are parasites to Nigeria.  Please, let continuously share until it gets to GEJ

     
         

PRESIDENT JONATHAN HAILS IBB'S OUTSTANDING ACCOMPLISHMENTS

        



President Goodluck Jonathan has conveyed assurances of his high esteem and warm personal regards to General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd.) on the occasion of the former President’s 72nd birthday anniversary tomorrow, Saturday, August 17, 2013.
In a congratulatory letter to General Babangida, President Jonathan praised his life of outstanding accomplishments.
“On behalf of my family, the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I rejoice with you as you mark your 72nd birthday anniversary.
“I join your family, numerous friends and many well-wishers to thank Almighty God for His continued guidance, protection and provision for you in the past seventy-two years of a life of outstanding accomplishment,”
President Jonathan wrote.
The President wished General Babangida a very happy birthday and many more years of good health and personal fulfillment.

Reassessing President Jonathan’s Actions

                                      

 

But for last week’s ill-fated multiple bomb blasts at a relaxation spot in the ever-busy Sabon-Gari area of the ancient city of Kano which resulted in several deaths, it would have been celebration galore that Nigeria is gradually winning the war against insurgency. Sadly, that expectation was aborted by enemies of mankind and those whose past-time is to visit terror and horror on fellow human beings. In their warped thinking, their mission is to frustrate the commendable efforts of the security agencies through murderous acts of bombing and killings, forgetting that they are only heaping curses and eternal punishment on themselves.

That the present administration of President Goodluck Jonathan has taken bold steps in its efforts to stamp out terrorism and put the nation on the path of development through sound economic blueprint is to restate the obvious. Undoubtedly, such efforts, with particular reference to the declaration of state of emergency in the troubled states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe and the setting up of the Tanimu Turaki-led peace and reconciliation committee are some of the positive results so far witnessed.
Interestingly, there seem to be a change in the way and manner issues of national concern are approached and handled by this present administration. We are witnessing an era whereby government has deliberately chosen to partner with those with opposing views and dissenting voices by inviting them over for healthy and constructive dialogue, rather than branding them enemies of government. This healthy development, no doubt, is a plus for the President Goodluck Jonathan administration and an indication that governance has been demystified. The administration, in line with her new style of governance has realised the critical role of opposition elements in the effective running of government anywhere around the world.
Another area Mr President appears to be scoring first in the way and manner he reaches out to politicians perceived to be at loggerheads with him or those termed as filth columnists. Mr President has indeed been presidential and statesmanly in calming frayed nerves as well as taking punches from all spheres with equanimity. To a large extent, in line with his resolve to focus attention on developmental issues instead of wasting time on trivialities, efforts are been strengthened to deliver dividends of democracy to Nigerians irrespective of tribe, religion or political persuasion in record time.
His recent closed door meeting with five governors from the north is indeed a clear demonstration of his resolve to carry everyone along in the onerous tasking of realizing the Nigeria of our collective dreams and aspirations. The meeting was part of moves to foster peace and deliberate on ways of consolidating on the success so far achieved in the fight against terrorism in the north. The meeting which lasted for hours had in attendance Governors Muazu Babangida Aliyu, Niger, Murtala Nyako, Adamawa, Ibrahim Gaidam, Yobe, and Kashim Shettima, Borno. Though no official statement was issued at the end of the meeting, we all know that it was aimed at finding lasting solutions to myriad of developmental challenges confronting the north in particular and the country in general.
Though many were quick to have branded the move as political and purely PDP’s gimmick, but the deliberate inclusion of Governors Ibrahim Gaidam and Shettima both elected under the opposition All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in the team showed that the meeting was never a PDP arrangement. Mr President has since realised that he was elected to serve as President of all Nigerians irrespective of tribe, religion, political and idealogical leaning.
Even in the ongoing media-hyped war between the President and the Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, President Jonathan has rather chosen to refrain from joining issues with those who are of the view that he is the unseen face behind the political crisis threatening to tear Rivers State into shreds. Recently, he displayed to the chagrin of all that he holds no grudge against Rotimi Amaechi when Mr President openly embraced Amaechi and pat him on the back. He knows his position and recognises that undisputed fact that he is the father of the nation.
In President Goodluck Jonathan, we see a leader that believes strongly in the fact that the only permanent thing in this world is change. And that all beings and their activities are subject to change. He represents that change that Nigeria is in dire need of. This, he has demonstrated by subjecting his programmes and actions to public scrutiny and criticisms. He desires to leave behind an economically viable, politically stable and technologically savvy country. It is about our fatherland, not personal or parochial considerations.
This new thinking and modus operandi places immense emphasis on what benefits the country and its teeming population, rather than how to enrich a few individuals. It is about putting aside our perceived or imagined differences and making ambitious efforts to achieve our collective goal of leaving our country better than we met it.

PRESIDENT JONATHAN WANTS LEADERS TO BOOST INTRA-AFRICAN TRADE

                                

  AFRICAN leaders have been advised to take concrete steps that will help them fulfil their commitments to improving trade and economic relations in the continent. The advice was given by President Goodluck Jonathan at the state house on Monday July 29 2013 during an audience with Selma Ashipala-Musavyi the outgoing Namibian high commissioner to Nigeria. Jonathan told the gathering that beyond making declarations of support for greater intra-African trade, there was an urgent need for African leaders to join forces in order to overcome obstacles which currently hinder economic relations between nations and people of the continent. He added that challenges to intra-African trade such as poor transportation links could be easily overcome with the right political will and commitment from African leaders which would also lead to a significant boost in continental economic interaction for the benefit of their countries and peoples.

 

Pledging that Nigeria will continue to spearhead and support efforts aimed at promoting regional and continental economic integration, Jonathan emphasized that the existing cordial political relations between most African countries would be further enhanced by greater trade and economic relations amongst them.

Reviewing Ashipala-Musavyi tenure as a high commissioner in Abuja, the President extolled her for working diligently to boost bilateral decisions between Nigeria and Namibia. He wished her success at her new post in the Namibian ministry of foreign affairs.

In the same spirit, Jonathan also commended Baba Kamara, Ghana’s outgoing high commissioners to Nigeria who he also received at the Presidential Villa on the same day. Noting that bilateral relations between Nigeria and Ghana have been further strengthened in several areas during Kamara’s four-year tenure, the President expressed the hope that the outgoing High Commissioner’s successor would continue his good work.

In his response Kamara assured that the cordial relationship between Nigeria and Ghana must be sustained. “We must continue to build and strengthen the cordial relations between us. We are the same people and colonial boundaries must not be allowed to keep us apart”.

According to Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, of the over 200 projects registered by it last year, Nigeria had 42 projects with a value of almost $200 million U.S. Dollars. Only China accounted for more registered projects in Ghana during the period with 56 projects.trade such as poor transportation links and achieve a significant boost in continental economic interaction for the benefit of their countries and peoples.

President Jonathan therefore pledged that Nigeria will continue to spearhead and support efforts aimed at promoting regional and continental economic integration, saying existing cordial political relations between most African countries will be further enhanced by greater trade and economic relations amongst them.

He also commended the outgoing High Commissioner for working diligently to boost bilateral relations between Nigeria and Namibia during her tenure in Abuja and wished her success at her new post at the Namibian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The President also commended Ghana’s outgoing High Commissioner to Nigeria, Alhaji Baba Kamara, whom he also received at the Presidential Villa on Monday.

Noting that bilateral relations between Nigeria and Ghana have been further strengthened in several areas during Kamara’s four-year tenure, President Jonathan expressed the hope that the outgoing High Commissioner’s successor will continue his good work.

“We must continue to build and strengthen the cordial relations between us. We are the same people and colonial boundaries must not be allowed to keep us apart,” he said.

A statement issued on Monday by the President Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said out of the over 200 projects registered by the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) last year, Nigeria had 42 projects with a value of almost $200 million. It said only China accounted for more registered projects in Ghana during the period with 56 projects.

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

                                          
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

STATE OF EMERGENCY ADDRESS

                        
                                                            

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.

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.

STATEMENT ON JUNE 12/MID TERM REPORT

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

STATEMENT ON FORMER PRESIDENT NELSON MANDELA

                  
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

STATEMENT ON RAMADAN

Ramadan is upon us and as we observe the fast and abstinence that are the hallmark of this holy month, I join my Muslim brothers and sisters in reflection and thought for the less privilege in society. Prophet Mohammed (SAW) in the Qur'an encouraged humanity to use this period of increased piety to engage in deep introspection to the end that we may increase our capacity to empathize with others. ...It is this ideal that must continue to drive us in our in our mission to ensure and secure equity and justice in our nation. I urge the Islamic Ummah to pray to Almighty Allah our creator so that our efforts at ensuring peace and security throughout Nigeria meet with consistent and continuous success. May Almighty God receive and answer all our prayers. GEJ

STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN ON 1ST OF AUGUST 2013

          STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN ON 1ST OF AUGUST 2013

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

 

President Goodluck Jonathan will go down in history as the most criticised Nigerian President. This Medium has been created for everyone to have an opportunity to air their views on what they think about the Man, Professor and President. His Decisions, Speeches and Life in General. Hopefully we will be able to read about what both the Pro and Anti Jonathan Supporters think about him before the crucial 2015 Elections, which will go down in history as the most important Election Nigeria would witness thus making the June 12th Presidential Election seem like a child's play. Sit back, relax, grab your pop corn and a drink and enjoy the show!, it's about to get hot in here!, let's see what both sides have to say!