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No Pressure ‘II Make Me Govern As A Soldier -Jonathan
President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said that he would not succumb to pressure to govern the country with high-handedness in addressing the various challenges confronting the country.
He made the remarks at the inter-denominational service to mark the 51st Independence Anniversary at the National Christian Centre, Abuja.
The President said he listened to various opinions by many people, particularly in the media, that the nation needed to be governed with high-handedness.
He, however, said he did not take to such advice as he was not cut out for such type of leadership.
“If you listen to Nigerians, by reading the newspapers, and through their statements, some Nigerians will want the President of this country to be a lion or a tiger.
“Some others will want the President to operate like a military general, like the Chief of Army Staff. Incidentally, I am not a lion and I am not also a General.
“Some people will want the President to operate like, when you read the Bible history, the Kings of Syria, the Kings of Babylon and the Kings of Egypt, the Pharaohs.
“They want the President to operate that way. Unfortunately, I am not one of those,’’ Jonathan said.
The president said he needed not to be a “lion’’ or a maximum ruler like the biblical Nebuchadnezzar to change the country and pilot state affairs to greatness.
He assured that the ship of the Nigerian state was on course, and solicited the prayers of Nigerians for God’s direction.
“What I can assure you is that Nigeria is on course and with your prayers and the guidance of God, we will surely get to the destination we desire,’’ Jonathan said.
He noted that while there are some elements in the country working towards frustrating government and bringing it down, he was positive that with God on his side they would fail.
“Every Goliath has an exposed forehead. All the Goliaths that are trying to be the stumbling blocks to the development of this country, God will expose their heads to the stone of David,’’ the President prayed.
He congratulated every Nigerian on the occasion of the 51st anniversary and assured that with the help of God, he would lead the country to greatness.
Earlier in a sermon titled ‘Mighty Fortress Is Our God’, the former Head of ECWA Church, Prof. Yusuf Turaki, had said the country would overcome its challenges with God’s help.
He called on Nigerians to embrace the attributes of love, prayers, hope and faith in God in every of the challenges confronting the nation.
Our correspondent reports that the Senate President, Sen. David Mark, took the service’s first scripture reading from the Book of Psalms in the Bible.
Congregational prayers were also offered for the nation and its government.
The First Lady, Dame Patience, the President’s mother, Madam Ayi, and other members of the President’s family were at the service.
Other dignitaries at the service included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Pius Anyim, Ministers, presidential aides, clergymen and leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
The 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) and conference of the Rivers/Bayelsa states chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has come to a close with a strong call for both states to drive the blue economy.
The communique just issued after the AGM pointed to what it called emerging prospects in fish processing, seaweed cultivation, ship repair, and marine technology.
The communique which also mentioned human capital gaps that must be filled through technical and vocational training that are aligned with modern industrial needs, said the blue economy represents a viable pathway for Nigeria’s industrialisation.
It said MAN and Arican Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) have the capacity to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy sustainably and inclusively, but said the region required dedicated infrastructure upgrades, including roads, waterways, and power.
The communique was signed by Vincent Okuku (Chairman of Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch); Michael Nosa Agana (Branch Vice Chairman/Chairman AGM planning Committee); and Chibuzor Eze (Executive Secretary, Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch).
The resolutions said the future of the Niger Delta economy lies in diversification rather than dependence on extractive industries. “Technology and innovation, value addition and local processing, strategic infrastructure, and a skilled workforce are essential pillars for the future of manufacturing in the region.
“Governments in the region must intensify support for manufacturing activities. Various forms of collaboration across sectors should be actively encouraged.”
It specifically advised Bayelsa and Rivers States to fully develop and harness the blue economy as strategic gateways for sustainable growth; and called for cross-border partnerships with neighbouring states to enhance trade, security, and environmental management.”
The Rivers/Bayelsa States branch of MAN held its first (41st) AGM outside Port Harcourt for the first time, hosted by Bayelsa State Government at the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, with the theme: ‘Trade, Technology, and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta.’
In his welcome address, the chairman of the branch, Okuku, commended the Bayelsa State Government under the leadership of Gov Douye Diri for its efforts in industrial development, investment promotion, and strong partnership with the private sector.
He also acknowledged the Rivers State Government for its commitment to rehabilitating industrial clusters, improving access roads, and delivering key infrastructure.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as high energy costs, unreliable electricity supply, weak transport systems, rising logistics expenses, multiple taxes and levies, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and pressure from host communities, which continue to hinder manufacturing growth in both states.
The President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, noted that the Niger Delta, with its abundant resources and strategic location, holds vast potential for industrial expansion. He called for policy frameworks that promote local manufacturing, enhance trade, and attract investments to the region.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, represented by Wasa Festus, Director of Community Development and Education. Another goodwill message was also presented by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Ebieri Jones.
In his remarks, Gov Diri praised MAN for its contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting its resilience, innovation, and strategic role in national development. He stated that the conference theme aligns with his administration’s mantra of “Assured Prosperity.”
Gov Diri offered 24-hour service to manufacturers wishing to relocate to the state, and highlighted the State’s ongoing transformation through deliberate investment in infrastructure, security, and human capital aimed at positioning Bayelsa State as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in the blue economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
He further noted that hosting the 41st AGM fulfilled a long-desired aspiration of the State following the successful 2024 MAN event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He officially declared the exhibition open.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has alerted the public to a fraudulent message circulating online, claiming that the NELFUND Student Loan Registration Portal is open.
The message directs applicants to a third-party link (http://gvly.xyz/Nelfund-Student-Loan, which NELFUND confirms is unauthorised and fraudulent.
In a post obtained from its X handle, yesterday, NELFUND urged students and the general public not to click on the link or provide any personal information, emphasising that the official loan registration portal is only accessible through the Fund’s verified channels.
The agency reminded applicants to exercise caution online and to report any suspicious links or communications claiming to be from NELFUND.
“Applicants are encouraged to always verify official announcements via NELFUND’s official website and social media channels,” NELFUND said.
This advisory comes as part of NELFUND’s ongoing efforts to safeguard students and ensure the integrity of the student loan application process.
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