Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan Promised the Best for the Country

Abuja, Nigeria | May 10, 2010 by D-8 Secretariat

Nigeria's s acting President Goodluck Jonathan (R) takes the oath of office to become the nation's next leader, at the Presidential villa in Abuja, Nigeria, 06 May 2010

President Goodluck Jonathan on Sunday promised to do his best towards moving Nigeria forward, as reported by Nigerian newspaper, Punch.

The President made the promise at separate receptions for delegations from Niger and Kano states, which were led by their governors on condolence and solidarity visits to the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The President was joined by Senate President, David Mark, to receive both delegations, which included senior government officials and traditional rulers from both states.

Jonathan said his administration would do its best to move the country forward, despite the challenges confronting the nation. He also prayed for divine guidance to steer the ship of state on the right path.

He said, “We will do our best to bring honour and glory to this country. Personally, I am committed to the good of this country, and will put in my best to move the country forward.”

Jonathan said the late former President Umaru Yar’Adua meant well for Nigeria. He noted that the late president had great dreams for the nation, and expressed regrets that he was unable to finish his assignment because of health challenges and his eventual demise.

He said, “Our beloved and departed president meant well for this country. Unfortunately, God, who knows all, didn’t allow him to finish his assignment. God who gave him the vision for this country and has now taken him knows best.

“We pray that God who called him away will grant those of us he left behind divine wisdom to go on with the assignment and lead this country on the right path to progress.”

The President thanked the delegations for coming to condole with the Federal Government, saying it showed that they were “committed to the growth and unity of this country, which is paramount.”

In his remarks, Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu said the delegation came to condole with President Jonathan on the death of his predecessor, and to congratulate him on his assumption of office as the President and Commander-in-Chief.

“All of us who are close to the Federal Government knew how closely you related with your former boss. We know how you articulated the seven-point agenda. We have come to let you know that you have the support of Niger State and to urge you to do your best,” Aliyu said.

On his part, Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, who mandated Alhaji Magaji Dambatta to speak for the state’s delegation, described Yar’Adua’s death as a great loss to Nigeria.

He also congratulated President Jonathan on his ascension to the office of the President. The spokesman also offered prayers for the President, saying, “Under your tenure, our country will resume its forward march to peace and stability.”

Continuing, he expressed confidence in Jonathan’s ability to lead the country, adding, “We see in you the urge to make a difference. You are a leader of clear vision and a sense of mission. You have demonstrated enormous sincerity and capacity to deliver. We pray God to give you wisdom to move the country forward.”

D-8 Summit to be Held in Abuja This Year

In January 2010, President Jonathan has also pledged its commitment towards the successful hosting of the Developing Eight Nations (D-8) Summit in Abuja in July 2010. The then Nigerian Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan gave the assurance on Monday to Dr. Dipo Alam, D-8 former Secretary General, who paid him a courtesy call at the State House, Presidential Villa, Abuja on January 26.

Jonathan, who expressed satisfaction at the line-up of programmes and activities for the Summit as disclosed by Alam, however assured that the nation’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs will work out the details for the successful hosting of the Summit. The then Vice-President particularly expressed delight in the involvement of the private sector in the programme, noting that the sector is key to driving the economy.

Earlier, Alam said that he was in Nigeria to explain the progress made so far by the D-8 and to discuss the Summit to be hosted in Abuja in July and as well as inform Jonathan about his recent appointment as Cabinet Secretary in his country, Indonesia. In the occassion, Alam listed some of the expectations of the D-8 Summit to include Investment Cooperation Declarations, Joint Investment Projects among member nations, signing of a memorandum of understanding and signing of projects, among member nations.

On Sunday evening, the Indonesian Embassy in Nigeria also held a dinner reception which was attended by high commissioner of D-8 countries, such of Nik Mustafa Kamal bin Nik Ahmad (Malaysia), Khosrow Rezazadeh (Iran), Major-Gen. (rtd.) Asif Duraiz Akhtar (Pakistan), Mustafa Aykut Sezgin (Turkey), as well as CEOs of various Indonesian companies that invested in Nigerian market such as Indofood (represented by Adhi Sunarto) and Indorama (represented by General Manager, Veeramani).

Please click here to read the details of the news, and here to view the gallery during the visit.

News source: the Punch, D-8 Media.

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