In a soothing, relaxed and comical mood, President Goodluck Jonathan had assured Nigerians in a Presidential Media Chat transmitted live on the National Network of the NTA that he would leave a remarkable footprints in the government of the country. Jonathan said he had envisioned all the criticisms and insults his government has been facing since the inception of 2012, stating that he had shortly after his inauguration told one of his close aides that in 2012, they should be ready to turn their deaf ears to insults and criticism, but after then, Nigerians will all join his administration in 2013 to celebrate their success and achievements.
Jonathan who spoke virtually on all controversial issues of his administration had given reasons why certain actions were taken in his government and had also enlightened Nigerians on the progress and the intentions of his administration.
On Brazil Trip And Cabinet Shake Up
Reacting to the wave of criticism from the general public over his recent trip to Brazil, Jonathan had stated that even though the Brazilian trip was important just like the security situation in the country, he could have suspended the trip if not that the crisis that erupted was manipulated by some terrorists whose aim was to destabilize the seat of government. He gave his reason by stating that if he had suspended the trip to Brazil, then the terrorist must have achieved their aim. Buttressing his point, Jonathan said that the goal of every terrorist was to destabilize the government and the moment any government begins to yield to their aim; then they are close to victory.
Speaking further on the recent change of the security Adviser and the removal of the Minister of Defense, Jonathan had asserted that the change was necessary not because both Azazi and the former Defence Minister were not doing their work, but for the fact that there was a need to change strategy just to be able to confront the new strategy of the Boko Haram Militants. Jonathan had said that the militant have changed strategy and are now attacking churches because their initial plan of attacking government and its institution could no longer work. He said that the aim was to insight a religious war in the country in order to destabilize the polity. He also said that the government is on top of the situation and will ensure that the effort of the Militants does not yield further fruit in that direction.
ON THE ECONOMY
Speaking on the state of the economy, President Jonathan had stated that Nigeria has the most organized and professionally managed economy in the world as his government has the best Finance Minister who is always on top of the game. Commenting on whether the government is broke, Jonathan had debunked such impression, stating that the economy was doing well. “if our government was broke, nobody would want to bring billions to our country to invest. We are not broke, we are doing well economically. I think Nigerians misunderstood the finance Minister who had said that if the government continues to subsidize, it will run into debt as some point, which is one truth about subsidy” Jonathan affirmed.
2015
On 2015, Jonathan said it was too early to declare his position on whether he will be vying for a re-election or not. He also emphasized that the present issues in the country do not warrant such comment as his comment on “either right or left “ would generate a lot of controversies in the country. Hence, he has decided to leave his position hanging until INEC gives the go ahead for such declaration.
Lagos Ibadan Express way
Jonathan avowed that negotiation is currently ongoing with the Governor of the state to commence work on the road as the government cannot continue to watch its citizens being killed on that road on a daily bases.
On Power / Railway
The President had assured Nigerians of his commitment to restore uninterrupted power supply to the nation as the government was only taking its time to ensure that its set target is met in the area of power. He however pleaded with the nation to exercise a little patience with his government as such things take time to materialize. Jonathan had also stated that so much has been done in the area of railway as it was close to nothing in the rail transport when he assumed office. He promised to change the railway industry in no long time. On the new proposed power tariff, Jonathan had stated that there was a need for Nigerians to pay for what they consume if they must continue to enjoy a stable power supply. He stated that it’s the only way it can indicate its own commitment to the development of the country. He further stated that the payment shall be stratified based on individual class and income.
Subsidy Probe
Jonathan had denied the allegation that some patrons of the People’s Democratic Party were part of the indicted oil Marketers, and those who were indicted in the House of Assembly. Jonathan said that no member of the board of PDP can be indicted as it stands presently, but however agreed with the fact any business man can decided to be a member of any political party in the country.
On University of Lagos
Jonathan had stated that the renaming of the institution could be traced to the role Unilag played during the annulment of the June 12th Presidential election, expressing surprise that after many years, the same University is protesting against renaming the Institution after Moshood Abiola. The president had also stated that name is not so much an issue as was publicly held. He also backed up his action of not going through the National Assembly, affirming that it is only through the pronouncement that such request can be sent to the National Assembly for consideration. Jonathan cited an example of declaration of a state of emergency which normally comes before senatorial approval or rejection.
On the Anti- graft bodies
Jonathan had also debunked the criticism that the action of the anti-graft bodies is mainly depended on the body language of the presidency. He had asserted that he has always given the EFCC and ICPC to operate without his intervention as the people chosen to head the EFCC and the ICPC are credible people that he cannot influence as the president. Narrating how he chose Lamode for the EFCC job, Jonathan said, “I have never met him before, people recommended Lamode for me. They saw the good work he did under Ribadu and had suggested I call him for the job. The same Lamode had probed me while I was the Governor of Bayelsa state, so why should I call him back if I had any particular interest. Jonathan concluded”
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