Traders Declare Support For Jonathan

Traders under the auspices of the National Market Traders and Leaders Council (NATMALC) yesterday declared their support for President Goodluck Jonathan. They praised the president’s efforts to develop the country, despite the challenges facing his administration.

According to the organisation, the Transformation Agenda is aimed at lifting the nation from the position of a Third World country to developed world.

President of the Abia State chapter of the Council Dr Joseph Okeke spoke with reporters in Owerri, the Imo State Capital.

Okeke urged Nigerians to rally support for the President against the state of terrorism unleashed on the country by Boko Haram.

Okeke said, the country needs peace to develop, saying Nigerians have to support Jonathan for meaningful results to be achieved.

On the Federal Government’s decision to remove subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMs), Okeke said the policy holds the key to the resolution of problems facing the country.

In another development, the Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA) in Abia State says it is restrategising with a view to re-invigorating and re-focusing its political machinery in the state and beyond.

The Publicity Secretary, Chief Oliver Obiezu, made this known in Umuahia when he briefed newsmen on its activities.

He said the party had put behind it the unfortunate incident of the 2011 general elections when it lost most positions it contested.

Obiezu also described as a ‘ruse’, the report of the suspension slammed on former Governor Orji Kalu and other party members.

But, he noted, that the indefinite suspension of its former state Chairman Emeka Onuoha for unconstitutional conduct still stood.

Obiezu said the party’s hierarchy in the state was committed to re-engineering its political approach with a view to overcoming those issues that had deprived it of success.

The chieftain insisted that discipline and equity were the hallmark of responsible organisation, adding that PPA was exploring the virtues for quick and comprehensive recovery from the shock suffered in 2011 elections.