Jonathan, Pride Of Niger Delta – Sylva

Gov. Timipre Sylva of Bayelsa last Friday described President Goodluck Jonathan as “the pride of the Niger Delta” .

In a congratulatory message to Jonathan, the governor said his recent elevation provided a significant opportunity to resolve key problems in the region.

In the message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Doifie Ola, the governor said: “I want to congratulate you on your inauguration as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. God has made it happen in His own time and in His own way.”

Sylva described Jonathan as “a remarkable man, a rare patriot with a pleasant personality and a wonderful intellect,” saying that the country was lucky to have the new president as its leader.

According to him, the people of Bayelsa, and indeed, Niger Delta, were also lucky to have Jonathan as their own, stressing that the new president has “proven time and time again what hard work and dedication can produce’’.

“You put your heart and soul into the awesome national task of steadying and steering the ship of the country during one of its most difficult times, occasioned by the illness of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua,” he said.

Sylva also remarked that Jonathan was a man whose perseverance, humility and focus were amazing, stressing that while his new position recognised both his previous commitment and service, “it moves you to a higher level of leadership that will tap your extensive abilities”.

The governor, however, reminded the new president that in a pluralist country, “your presidency is a historic opportunity to resolve the age-old problems that have troubled the Niger Delta”.

“I know you have a bright vision for the country, and I pledge my full backing for your government as you discharge the sacred national duty of uplifting the country to the benefit of all of us, and to the glory of God,” Sylva said.

He noted that Jonathan’s interest in resolving the critical problem of power in the country was praiseworthy, nothing that it would put his name in the annals of national history.