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2011 Polls ’ll Define Nigeria’s Future –Jonathan
President Goodluck Jonathan has said that the 2011 elections were not about his candidature alone, but also the future of the country.
Jonathan said this last Friday night, while speaking during his campaign fund raising dinner in Abuja.
He counseled Nigerians to move beyond the limitations of sectional and parochial interests in order to engender a solid foundation for the progress and development of the country.
Jonathan said the vision for his campaign was rooted in the common desire to deliver a government that would partner with the private sector.
He said that such would complement government’s investments in critical sectors of the economy and fast-track the delivery of quality living conditions for all Nigerians.
The President promised that his administration would not let down the confidence Nigerians reposed in it, as it remained committed to consolidating on its achievements and the on-going programmes of action aimed at transforming the country.
“We are delivering on our promise towards electoral reforms, adequate power supply, and peace in the Niger Delta. On these and other reforms, we will not relent,” he said.
Jonathan complied fully with the provision of the Electoral Act on fund raising by insisting that no individual donor contributed more than N1 million to his presidential campaign.
He also paid glowing tributes to his predecessor, late President Umaru Yar’Adua, while recalling the time he attended such an occasion with him in early 2007, as his running mate.
Jonathan called for a minute’s silence in honour of the late President.
Alhaji Dalhatu Tafida, the Director-General of the Jonathan/Sambo Campaign Organisation, expressed confidence in the viability of the Jonathan/Sambo ticket, saying that the organisation believed in continuity and stability of the country.
“This is a project that is accepted by all and sundry. The Jonathan/Sambo project is one that will unite us all, and bring development to this country,” he said.
The Chairman of the occasion, Chief Obafoluke Otudeko, in his remarks, said that the mission to support Jonathan was based on his conviction that the President was committed to the rule of law.
He said that any investment towards the Jonathan/Sambo project was “a worthy cause that will guarantee the future and progress of the country”.
Otudeko explained that Nigeria being a major global player with a robust market, abundant resources, and thriving economy, required the collective participation of all Nigerians for change.
He, therefore, called on all Nigerians to join hands in choosing the best leader for the country.
The fund raising dinner was organised by the Jonathan/Sambo Presidential Campaign Organisation to raise funds for the execution of the president’s campaign for the 2011 presidential elections.
It was attended by Vice-President Namadi Sambo, visiting Kenyan Vice President Kulonzo Musyoka, Senate President David Mark and Speaker of the House of Representatives Dimeji Bankole.
Members of the Federal Executive Council, the National Assembly, party chieftains, captains of industry, business moguls, members of the diplomatic community, and a host of eminent Nigerians from all walks of life, also graced the occasion.
The chief launcher, Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu, state governors, business moguls Mike Adenuga, Femi Otedola, Jimoh Ibrahim among other donors, complied with the provisions of the Electoral Act by not exceeding N1 million in their personal donations.
The occasion, which was held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, also featured the formal launch of an on-line and SMS donation.
The initiative, The Tide gathered, was to enable Nigerians contribute to the campaign using the mobile GSM and Internet platforms.
Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan has said that the Federal Government was committed and deploying the relevant machinery and resources to address the security challenges in the country.
Jonathan, who made this known at the weekend in Maiduguri, on the occasion of the 21st Convocation ceremony of the University of Maiduguri, said the security situation in the country was giving government great concern.
“The current attacks on members of security agencies, especially the police, the cases of kidnapping and similar violations of the security of individuals and property cannot continue.
The president, who was represented by Vice President Namadi Sambo, charged members of security agencies to intensify efforts and confront the security challenges facing the country.
According to him, community leaders, political office holders and civil society organisations must realise that security is a collective responsibility.
Jonathan said that Nigerians must learn to cooperate and provide useful information towards resolving the security issues in the country.
“We must be interested in our individual and collective security. When we take active interest in security matters and support the security agencies, we will be working in the interest of our individual and collective security,” he added.
Jonathan appealed to all Nigerians to be their brother’s and sister’s keeper, saying that “we must learn to embrace one another on the basis of our common humanity and treat each other with respect.
“The shedding of blood in the name of ethno-religious and communal conflicts can no longer be tolerated.
“We must learn to treat one another on the basis of justice and respect for our nation to prosper, grow and be counted among the top 20 economies by the year 2020,” he said.
The President also urged institutions of higher learning across the country to reposition themselves by capitalising on their comparative advantage in both teaching and research.
He maintained that they must raise their global rating and visibility among similar institutions of learning in Africa and globally.
“The University of Maiduguri and other sister universities, must continue to break new frontiers of knowledge in which they have comparative advantage, thereby competing with their peers not only within Africa, but also globally.
“As we aspire to be among the 20 most developed economies by the year 2020, our institutions must play a pivotal role in the drive towards finding solutions to the numerous challenges facing our nation,” Jonathan said.
He said it was encouraging to learn that the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital recently demonstrated that, by performing the first kidney transplant in Nigeria.
Jonathan gave assurance that government would continue to play the role of the facilitator, giving support and encouragement to the universities, teaching hospitals and research institutions to enable them address country’s development challenges.
He reiterated the determination of the government to provide unlimited opportunities for youths to contribute their quota to the development of the country.
The President, therefore, urged the youths to shun vices capable of tarnishing the image of the country.
He stressed the need for them to be reliable partners in the drive to transform Nigeria and make it the pride of not only the African continent but also the black race as a whole.
Jonathan commended the authorities of the University for honoring Vice President Namadi Sambo with an award of a Doctor of Science of the University.
“I join him to dedicate it to the Almighty Allah and to all Nigerians and I assure all that the best is yet to come as far as this administration is concerned,’’ he added.
Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University, Dr Bolanle Babalakin, had expressed appreciation to two members of the National Assembly, for donating their constituency allowances of N300 million for the improvement of water supply and ICT projects in the university.
They are Sen. Kaka Malam Yale and Alhaji Ali Ndume, a member of the House of Representatives.
Babalakin frowned at the persistent warning strikes being embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), saying that such actions were inconsistent with the letter and spirit of the various agreements signed by the parties.
“It is disheartening that this strike is being embarked upon to call attention to certain problems in state universities and not issues concerning federal universities,’’ Bablakin lamented.
Our correspondent reports that Sambo and retired Justice Mustapha Akanbi were conferred with honorary degrees at the convocation.
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Our Legacy’ll Leave Lasting Impression On Rivers People -Fubara
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will collaborate and continue to consult widely in delivering a liberated State experiencing enduring peace.
Fubara said, in doing so, he would not operate as a dictator but as a member of a team that has the best interest of the State at heart and determined to leave a lasting legacy that can be celebrated.
The governor spoke during the formal presentation of Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Michael Tom, as first class tradition ruler, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Fubara stated that, during the Sixth State Executive Council meeting, N80.8billion was approved with 50 percent contract value paid already as the Government awarded the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
He said the project will be funded from the savings from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to underscore his administration’s prudence without also borrowing to complete the project.
“We are at a crossroad in our State where we all need to stand for what is right. It happens once in a life time. So, for now, be one of those people that will be in the course to liberate and free our dear State.
“And I know strongly that having the support of a peace-loving Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, having the support of the wonderful Council of Chiefs, having the support of the great people of Rivers State, we will bring peace in our State. We will do those things that are right to develop our State.
“We will continue to consult. We will not act as dictators. We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we leave, the way we have acted will speak for us. We will not force people to talk good about us. Our legacy will be a signature for how we led”, the governor said.
Fubara explained that he acted within the ambit of the law to upgrade the traditional stool upon which King Ateke Tom sits in recognition of his efforts in promoting peace in Okrika, and indeed, the State, and urged him to continue to do justice to everyone.
In his speech, Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon Charles Amadi, congratulated King Ateke Tom for being formally presented with the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office as first class traditional ruler.
Also speaking, former Transport Minister, Chief Abiye Sekibo, thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise of upgrading the traditional stool of Okochiri Kingdom, and pledged the support of Kirike Se people to his administration.
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We’re Determined To Leave Legacy Of Quality Education -Fubara
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has promised to give the best attention to the education sector so that standard and quality learning will never be compromised in the State.
The governor emphasised that in achieving such legacy, schools in the State will be driven with a curriculum that will equip school-aged children to become competitive, innovative and self-reliant.
Governor Fubara made the assertion while inaugurating the Governing Council of Rivers State University at Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
He said: “There is a lot of noise everywhere: people asking what we are doing; that we are not focused, and that we don’t have direction.
”But I want to tell the world that we are focused and aware that we cannot grow if our energies are not channeled to education. Not just education, but purposeful education.
”Education that is creative. Education that gives you independence. We have left the era in the world when you speak too much grammar. We are in such times when it is what you can do with your hands.
”Our purpose for education is that we should bring back our academic programmes to where, at the end of your studies, you don’t need a job but you create jobs. When one creates a job, you automatically employ others. That is what I want this council to see as their task.”
Governor Fubara noted the non-existence of public secondary schools for the male child in the Diobu axis of Port Harcourt.
He said such negligence leaves children in that area who have completed primary education, and whose parents cannot afford sending them to far away secondary schools, to roam the streets, and therefore becoming willing tools for criminality.
Governor Fubara assured that such fundamental problem will be addressed by his administration as a measure to curb the negative impression associated with Diobu axis of Port Harcourt.
The governor said he trusts in the capacity of the members of the Governing Council of Rivers State University to bring about positive change in the institution while also contributing their quota to improving the general education standard in the State.
”I charge you, not just in terms of administering the affairs of the university, but let us add something different from the normal things that we already have to see new things.”
In her response, on behalf of the other members, the Pro-Chancellor of the Governing Council of Rivers State University, Justice Mary Odili (rtd), thanked the governor for finding them worthy to serve in such capacity.
Justice Odili assured they will work assiduously as a team to solve the problems that agitate the mind of the governor and ensure their contributions form part of the legacy that will be bequeathed by his administration.
The members included Justice Mary Odili (rtd) as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council with Barrister Mela Oforibika and Chukwuma Chinwo, Esq.
Others were Adata Bio-Briggs, Esq., Dr. Jonathan Nimi Hart, Ngo Martins-Yellowe, Dr. Nancy Nwankwo, Dr. Igoni William-Park, and Mr. Ogbugbu Barisua.
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Fubara, Others Eulogise Rivers First Lady’s Mother
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu, and key stakeholders of the State on Wednesday paid glowing tributes at the Service of Songs held in honour of late Mrs Adeline Jaja, mother of the wife of the Governor, Lady Valerie Fubara, at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Mile 1, Diobu, Port Harcourt.
Speaking at the event, Governor Fubara described his late mother-in-law as a great and visionary woman who lived on truth and conviction in what she believes.
“Mama was a great woman. She wasn’t a materialistic person. When she believes in you, she’ll be all out for you. She stood for me. I feel pained that, like my own mother, she left at this moment.
”Mama believed so much in God, and the wonders of God. I thank everyone, particularly the Church. On behalf of the bereaved family, we will support the Church to immortalise her name,” the Governor said.
In his homily, Vicar of the Church, Ven. A. A. Ijon-Ama, who spoke on the gains of death, said physical departure from earth was not an ultimate end but an opening for higher and permanent gain and perfection.
He pointed out that when a man has a good relationship with God, he stands to gain more in death.
Ven. Ijon-Ama described late Mrs. Adeline Jaja as a devout Christian, who exuded deep sense of hospitality, and endowed with accommodating spirit, noting that she will be greatly missed by all.
The Vicar, who prayed for the repose of the soul of Mrs Adeline Jaja, also solicited for Divine fortitude for the family to bear the great loss, and called for the immortalisation of the deceased to keep her good legacies alive.
Some family members, who spoke at the Service of Songs, extolled the virtues of the deceased, describing her as “a great community leader, counsellor, peace maker, and caring mother, who provided for the needy, and participated actively in Church activities.
Highlights of the event were special prayers for the bereaved family, conducted by the Anglican Bishop of Evo Diocese, Rt. Rev. Innocent Ordu; remarks by key family members, choir ministration, among others.
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