Adamawa Polls: President Congratulates Nyako …Tasks Religious Leaders On National Unity

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has congratulated the Governor-elect of Adamawa State, Admiral Murtala Nyako, on his victory in the state’s gubernatorial election held on Saturday.

Jonathan also congratulated the Peoples Democratic Party, the platform on which Nyako stood for the election.

A statement made available to Nigeria Politics Online on Sunday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said: “President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan heartily congratulates Admiral Murtala Nyako (rtd.) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on his victory in Saturday’s governorship election in Adamawa state.

“President Jonathan urges Admiral Nyako to receive the fresh mandate given to him by the people of Adamawa State for a second term in office as a call to further duty in the service of his people and an immense opportunity to carry forward the policies, projects and programmes initiated during his first term to promote progress and development in Adamawa State.

“The President looks forward to continuing to work harmoniously with Admiral Nyako and the government of Adamawa State on the implementation of the federal government’s agenda for national transformation.

“He commends PDP National Executive Council members, members of the state executive of the party and all stakeholders of the party in Adamawa for working very hard to ensure that Admiral Nyako won convincingly on Saturday.

“President Jonathan also congratulates the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the nation’s security agencies for the peaceful and successful conduct of the elections.

“He urges them to keep up the good work in other governorship elections scheduled to hold in Bayelsa State, Cross River State and Sokoto State this month.”

Meanwhile, President Jonathan has challenged religious and traditional leaders to intensify efforts at fostering unity and peaceful co-existence among Nigerians

He gave the challenge on Sunday in his Eid-el-Maulud message to the nation.

In the message, personally signed by him, Jonathan appreciated the efforts the leaders had made so far, particularly in the face of current challenges confronting the nation.

He re-assured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to the successful implementation of its agenda for national transformation.

Jonathan promised that his administration would continue to intensify efforts at curbing corruption, eliminating waste, and redirecting national resources to identified high priority areas.

“Remain assured that all my actions as President are motivated by a burning desire to significantly improve the lives of the people of this country within the tenure of my administration.

“With your support and God’s guidance, I will succeed.”

The President felicitated with every Nigerian, especially the Muslim faithful, on the commemoration of the anniversary of the birth of the Holy Prophet Mohammed (SAW).

“As we celebrate the anniversary of the Prophet’s birth, I urge all Nigerians to collectively reflect on the virtues and ideals which he exemplified and taught.

“The proper internalisation of these virtues and ideals will undoubtedly benefit our nation immensely, as we confront current security and developmental challenges.”

He urged Nigerians to imbibe “the Prophet’s lessons of peace, peaceful co-existence with others, tolerance, honesty, selflessness, sincerity, justice, equity and fairness to all”.