Business
Jonathan Assures On Peaceful Polls
President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday expressed confidence that the April general elections would be calm, devoid of the tensions and challenges being experienced in the run-up to the polls.
Jonathan made this known to the new British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Andrew Lloyd, after receiving his letter of credence at the State House, Abuja.
The President spoke about the warm welcome he has enjoyed all over the country since the campaigns for the April elections started,stressing that his candidacy enjoyed widespread national acceptability.
On his plans for the next four years, the President said he would focus on repositioning Nigeria’s economy and raising the country’s profile in the global arena.
“I want to reposition Nigeria’s economy and reinforce the country’s position in global issues and particularly strengthen our relationship with the United Kingdom,’’ he said.
Earlier, the new High Commissioner had said that Queen Elizabeth II and the United Kingdom were interested in the success of Nigeria’s forthcoming elections and the legacy of President Jonathan.
He said Britain was “delighted’’ at the progress of democracy in Nigeria, and assured President Jonathan of his cooperation and support to make his tenure in Nigeria mutually beneficial to the two nations.
The President also received letter of credence from the new Niger Republic’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Mansour Daddo.
Jonathan told Daddo that Nigeria was happy with the progress of that country’s elections, and hoped the run-off, scheduled for March 12, would be successful.
The President said the people of the two nations were one, and Nigeria would continue to cooperate with the government of Niger Republic.
Earlier in his comments, Daddo expressed his country’s gratitude to Nigeria for all the support during the elections as well as the food assistance his country received from Nigeria.
He added that the first round of the elections went well, while the second round would be held on March 12.