Jonathan: I’m the luckiest Nigerian, today -By Chesa Chesa, Abuja

•Says 16 years in power enough for him

As he bows out of office in about seven weeks, President Goodluck Jonathan, on Sunday described himself as the luckiest Nigerian today, after holding government positions in the past 16 years, a feat he said is enough for him.
The President said he was leaving office a happy man, thanking Nigerians for their support during the period, just as he urged them to help him thank God for the unique privilege.

Speaking at the Presidential Villa, when Vice-President Namadi Sambo and the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Bala Mohammed, led a delegation of Abuja residents to pay him the customary Easter homage, Jonathan declared: “Today is a glorious day for me.”
Continuing, he thanked the delegation “for coming to encourage us. Though this Easter period coincides with when I am leaving, but I always say I’m one of the luckiest Nigerians.
“From 1999 I have been in the hands of government till date… 16 good years. I think it is enough and I am happy. Help me to thank God for that. I will continue to thank Nigerians for giving me that privilege.
“I became deputy governor because Bayelsans voted for me and my governor (Diepreye Alamieyeseigha) then; I became Vice-President because Nigerians voted for me and (Umar) Yar’Adua and Nigerians for me and (Namadi) Sambo.
“We have to thank all Nigerians. Wherever I will be, I have to thank all Nigerians… Today is a glorious day for me,” he stressed.
The President charged Nigerians to extend similar support to his successor and President-elect, Gen Muhammadu Buhari, just as they should make sacrifices beyond loyalty to whoever is in power, while always exhibiting unalloyed patriotism for national development.
He said this is reflected in the message of Easter season, being a period to reflect on the essence of Christian belief that without the resurrection of Christ, there would not have been Christianity.
According to him, “whenever we talk about this period, the key lesson there is sacrifice. Somebody sacrificed for our own salvation. So as a people, as a government, what I always believe we should ask is what sacrifice you are making?
”It is not about supporting Jonathan or government. Now, Buhari is coming on board, it is not about supporting Buhari or government but what sacrifice, as an individual, are you willing to make for government and for the nation.
“If you are a businessman and you say you are supporting government but you don’t pay tax, how do you expect that government to survive? That government will not survive.
“While in Bayelsa State as a deputy governor, people use to come to me to say ‘I’m loyal’. Don’t tell me you are loyal, tell me ‘I’m patriotic’ to the country and that you believe in Bayelsa State.
“Whenever I travel to different countries and see things work, those things didn’t fall down as manna… people made sacrifice. Therefore in Nigeria people must also be ready to make the required sacrifice.
“Whoever becomes president is immaterial, so long as the citizens are happy, our children go to school… when we are sick we go to  good hospital and of course, the economy blossoms. But for that to take place, people must make the required sacrifice.
“In the ECOWAS sub-region for example, Nigeria has the lowest VAT (Value Added Tax) payment of five per cent. Other countries pay up to 12 per cent.
“If for instance, Buhari decides to increase VAT from five to 10 per cent, will Nigerians support him? That is sacrifice and we must make sacrifice.
“Nation building depends on the sacrifice of individuals and the patriotism of the citizens. These are two key elements; we must be ready to sacrifice for our nation,” he added.
The President added that while security agents were sacrificing their lives for the nation in the fight against terrorism, other Nigerians can avail themselves of other roles and opportunities to make sacrifices for the country.
Also in the delegation were: Secretary to Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim; Minister of State for FCT, Olajumoke Akinjide; Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan; the Chief Imam of National Mosque, Abuja; former Minister of Information, Labaran, Maku; and former Minister of Health, Onyebuchi Chukwu; among others.
The delegation presented a giant Easter greeting card to the President and his wife, Patience, who was however absent.
The Easter homage was preceded by an Easter Sunday church service at the Aso Villa chapel where the Chaplain, Venerable Obioma Onwuzurumba, reminded the congregation to always be sincere with God in order to get salvation.
In his sermon titled: “The Lord is Risen Indeed,” he noted that Jesus is resurrected from the dead and is neither on the cross nor in the grave, but would come again to take His people home to a better place.
Referring to when Jesus was in the world and even his disciples could not recognise him as the Messiah, Onwuzurumba noted that although Jonathan had been voted out of office on March 28, and he conceded victory, people would look for him to seek his advice in future.
His words: “Some will say Jonathan has lost election… Jonathan has lost nothing. He was to give and not to get. This Jonathan they despised today… they will look for him someday. He will be an adviser. He is not Jesus but he is like Jesus.”
The Church service was attended by the President; his Chief of Staff, Jones Arogbofa; Minister of Agriculture, Adesina Akinwunmi; and other presidential aides.

Culled from Daily Independent

HAPPY EASTER CELEBRATIONS.

 
 Images credited to Techoven.com

May the joy of the Blessings of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you now and forever.

Happy Easter celebrations.

Buhari: Under My Watch, There Shall be Justice in the Land-By Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

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The President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari yesterday assured the nation that his administration would be fair to all irrespective of religious and political inclinations, and there would be justice in the land.

He also expressed his determination to look into cases of  injustice over the years.
Speaking when a delegation of party members from his home state of Katsina paid  him a congratulatory visit at the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Organisation (APCPCO) headquarters in Abuja, Buhari said his administration would not condone injustice of any kind.

"I will never be part of any injustice in the country. There shall be justice in the land. We would strive to rescue our people who are suffering from injustice over the years. We will ensure that there is peace and security in the country. We will fight corruption and eliminate ignorance, poverty and illiteracy in the land. These are the causes of tribalism and divisiveness among Nigerians," he said in Hausa to the delegation comprising clerics, traditional rulers, businessmen and politicians.
While lamenting the level of poverty and deprivation among Nigerians, the President-elect promised to do all within his power to fix the multifaceted problems bedeviling the country.

He  said it was unfortunate that there was practically nothing on ground to positively impact the wellbeing of Nigerians in spite of the huge revenues realised from oil proceeds in the past sixteen years.
Buhari said the oil revenues earned by Nigeria in the past sixteen years were more than what the country earned since northern and southern Nigeria were amalgamated in 1914.

He cited the level of disrepair in the railways, airways and the shipping lines to buttress his assertions.
The President-elect also recalled his efforts to challenge the outcome of the 2003, 2007 and 2011 presidential polls in court, noting that his resolve was borne out of his commitment to ensure the entrenchment of the rule of law in the country.
Buhari said those efforts, as well as efforts of those who ensured the formation and triumph of the APC would be a reference point by future generations of Nigerians.

While commending  his kinsmen from Katsina State for their support, Buhari  said he would live up to their expectations in ensuring good governance in the country.

Chairman of Katsina chapter of APC, Dr Mustapha Inuwa, who was one of those that spoke on behalf of the delegation, expressed gratitude to God over the victory of Buhari in the presidential poll. Inuwa said all the people of Katsina identified with Buhari's aspiration to provide good governance, adding that the mere fact that the exchange rate of the naira to a dollar has fallen since his emergence  underlines the fact that an era of prosperity has just began for all Nigerians.

"For us from Katsina, we assure you that we will be good followers, we will pray for you to succeed, we will not allow your victory at the poll to get into our heads, we will continue to be law abiding. We pray that you get the team that will work with you to deliver the goods."
Among dignitaries on the entourage were the former governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Saidu Barda, former speaker of old Kaduna State, Alhaji Mamman Dan Musa.

Meanwhile, more details have emerged on the behind-the-scene activities  that led to a peaceful resolution of the penultimate week’s presidential election.

Sources revealed that President Goodluck Jonathan had told his compaign  team prior to the election that the stability of the country was paramount to him irrespective of where the pendulum of victory swings to. The message was further passed down to members of the team by the Campaign Director-General, retired Col. Ahmadu Ali.

President Jonathan had congratulated General Buhari who was leading the poll while votes were still being tallied by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)  and  before the final results were announced.

''To tell you that the President was more interested in the unity of the country than the election, immediately the results being reeled out by Professor Attairu  Jega was not in favour of the PDP, a meeting, that same Tuesday afternoon, was summoned. Present were the  campaign  directorate headed by Dr. Ahmadu Ali, the party's National Working Committee, and the president, of course, where it was agreed that conceding defeat before it was finally announced would be better. And that was exactly what the president did.”

''What a lot of people do not know was that Ali’s close relationship with Jonathan also helped create a synergy between the Villa and the Campaign Directorate such that each had the other’s confidence, and so it was easy to have a seamless adherence down the line of the party.

''And to tell you that the country's unity was more paramount than anything else, throughout the campaigns, did you hear any hate speech from Ali or Chief Tony Anenih, all through the campaigns? His insistence eventually  ensured that hate speeches were checked,” the source said.

Culled from Thisday

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Father Mbaka's Prophecy Of CHANGE Has Been Fulfilled

Popular Enugu-based Catholic priest, Reverend Father Ejike Mbaka had predicted victory for the candidate of the APC in the presidential election, General Muhammadu Buhari.

In his New Year message he said Goodluck Jonathan would be defeated by Buhari.

In the words of Father Mbaka:
“President Jonathan has failed to stem the tide of insecurity and corruption in the country. In the year 2014, we had a lot of bloodshed in this country. People were dying like rats without anybody asking about them. This country suffered a lot of blood experience. Many of us witnessed that people were in tears. Just like the ancient world, the year 2014, the 4 in it had the queen in it, which had to do with death. Our leader’s failed us with reckless abandon and nobody asked them question.

“We need change. Whatever it will be, let it be. This is my golden message to my beloved country.

"Ogini n’eme? (what actually is happening?). The multitude of our youths, the quality young men, quality young women, brilliants youths but nobody has plans for any of you. Our so-called leaders should come and apologize. In 2015, it shall not continue like that (everybody shouted AMEN).

“By the grace of God, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we are announcing, spiritually, Change! 2015 should not be a year of any hooligan manoeuvring to hijack power. This is our New Year message. Listen, when you go home, tell anybody you see that from the oracle of the Holy Spirit, we are announcing change (AMEN). Can somebody help me to shout Change (shouts of Change by the congregation rented the air) in Jesus holy name... I seal this year with the blood of Jesus.”

After this message, a lot of Nigerians reacted because the Priest has earlier prayed for Jonathan's wife.

At the end of it all, that Chnage has come. But will it deliver for Nigerians? Our hopes are high

Culled from NTA News Blog

Jonathan Congratulates Buhari, Concedes Defeat-Jaiyeola Andrews in Abuja

In a rare show of democratic strength, President Goodluck Jonathan has called his main challenger, Major General Muhamadu Buhari of the All Progressive Congress (APC), to congratulate him on his victory at the March 28 presidential poll.

President Jonathan's call to congratulate Buhari about 5.05 pm yesterday, much before the final results were eventually announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof Attahiru Jega, in the wee hours of this morning, drew applause from major national leaders, who described the president's gesture as quite statesmanly.

In a statement by President Jonathan last night, he expressed appreciation to all Nigerians who participated in the polls and expressed satisfaction that he had expanded the democratic space in the country, wherein a free and fair election could be held.
According to him, “I promised the country free and fair elections. I have kept my word. I have also expanded the space for Nigerians to participate in the democratic process. That is one legacy I will like to see endure”.

He enjoined his supporters who may want to protest the outcome of the poll to refrain from such actions.
“Although some people have expressed mixed feelings about the results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), I urge those who may feel aggrieved to follow due process based on our constitution and our electoral laws, in seeking redress.
“As I have always affirmed, nobody’s ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian. The unity, stability and progress of our dear country is more important than anything else.

"I congratulate all Nigerians for successfully going through the process of the March 28th general elections with the commendable enthusiasm and commitment that was demonstrated nationwide.
I also commend the security services for their role in ensuring that the elections were mostly peaceful and violence-free.

"To my colleagues in the PDP, I thank you for your support.  Today, the PDP should be celebrating rather than mourning.  We have established a legacy of democratic freedom, transparency, economic growth and free and fair elections.

“For the past 16 years, we have steered the country away from ethnic and regional politics. We created a pan-Nigerian political party and brought home to our people the realities of economic development and social transformation.
“Through patriotism and diligence, we have built the biggest and most patriotic party in Nigerian history. We must stand together as a party and look to the future with renewed optimism," he said.

President Jonathan, who appreciated the opportunity to serve his fatherland at the highest capacity, pledged to continually uphold the tenet of service until his administration ends on May 29. He further confirmed having congratulated Buhari.
“I thank all Nigerians once again for the great opportunity I was given to lead this country and assure you that I will continue to do my best at the helm of national affairs until the end of my tenure.

I have conveyed my personal best wishes to General Muhammadu Buhari.
Confirming Jonathan’s congratulatory call to Buhari, the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the president had exhibited an uncommon courage and exemplary character by accepting defeat in such a swift manner.
President Jonathan’s call has doused the tension and anxiety that had enveloped the land for fear of post-election violence, as many of his avid supporters have also congratulated the president elect.

Leading other African observers, former Head of State, Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, also visited the presidential villa yesterday to specially commend President Jonathan for the sportsmanly conduct of conceding victory without a fuss.

Culled from Thisday