Jonathan Promises To Shift Nigeria From Oil Economy

January 1, 2015

President Goodluck Jonathan has said that the 2015 national budget, which is now before the National Assembly, is targeted at deepening his government’s efforts at becoming a non-oil economy.

He said that the budget also includes measures to ensure that the downturn in the price of oil does not affect the nation’s development plans and the economy too adversely.

“We are adjusting our financial processes to safeguard our economy. We are also taking steps to ensure that the poor and the low and medium income earners do not bear the brunt.”

President Jonathan who addressed the nation this morning in a New Year broadcast emphasized that his government would, in 2015, continues to lay the foundation for a vibrant economy that would attract significant Foreign Direct Investment and promote policies that would ensure economic stability.

“We will ensure stability in the value of the Naira by striving to take away speculative behaviours that cause market exchange pressures.

“We will continue to build and maintain a healthy external reserves position and strengthen fiscal buffers. We will ensure the Naira remains strong, and gives foreign investors the clarity and certainty that they need, to guide future investment decisions.

“We will continue to improve our payment systems and strengthen risk-based supervision mechanism for Nigerian banks to ensure overall health and stability of the banking system.

“We are introducing a broad spectrum of financial instruments to boost sector-specific enterprise areas in agriculture, Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs), manufacturing, and oil and gas to enhance our aggregate supply capacity, reduce poverty, promote job creation and increase the general well-being of our people.

“These efforts and other measures being spearheaded by relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, are geared to ensure a secure future for Nigeria and create a much more prosperous country, where people live more peaceful and fulfilled lives.” [myad]

I Hear The Cries, Share The Sorrow Of Boko Haram’s Victims – President Jonathan

Greenbarge Reporters

January 1, 2015

“I want to assure you that the terrorists will not get away with their atrocities: they will not win; they will be routed. As President, I feel the pain of all affected communities and families. I hear their cries and share their sorrow and pain.”

These were the words of President Goodluck Jonathan in his New Year broadcast to the nation thins morning.

He added: “we will not forget; we will not look the other way. We have done a lot of painstaking planning and work to resolve the current security challenge. We will bring justice to the savage terrorists known as Boko Haram. They will be defeated. That is the solemn commitment I make today as President of the Federal Republic, and Commander-in-Chief of our Armed Forces.”

He saw the Boko Haram insurgency and other forms of security problems as the normal challenges of nation-building and the unusual challenges, adding that that his government had continued to vigorously confront those who seek to destroy the bonds of unity that hold us together.

He regretted that terrorists have unleashed much pain and agony on the country, saying they have made widows of our mothers and sisters and orphans of our children. They have shut down businesses, desecrated places of worship and brought untold hardship to both men and women. They have violated the culture and peaceful way of life in our country, which took generations to build.

“They have destroyed countless schools and displaced people from their communities, driving them into exile.

While paying special tribute to the gallant officers, men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies who have been in the forefront of the war against terrorism and violent extremism in Nigeria and sub-region, President Jonathan assured that his government is re-equipping and re-positioning the armed forces to enhance their capacity to win the ongoing war against terror and insurgency.

He also commend all Nigerians who have remained vigilant and cooperative with our security agencies in the fight against the common enemy.

Jonathan stressed that despite the challenges, 2015 signifies that a new nation is being born, “because of the foundations we have all laid, working together for the good and progress of our dear fatherland.”

He reaffirmed his commitment to work to ensure a secure future for the country and the generations yet unborn. [myad]

Zamfara APC Lawmaker Who Lost Primary, Shifts To PDP

Greenbarge Reporters

December 31, 2014

An All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker, representing Maru North Constituency in Zamfara State House of Assembly, Alhaji Salisu Yakubu, who lost the ticket in the party’s primary recently, has defected the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Yakubu was the only legislator who failed to win his constituency among the serving members of the assembly during the APC primary.

The aggrieved lawmaker confirmed today that he had defected to PDP but would not give the reason yet as to why he took such action.

“It is true I defected to the Peoples Democratic Party but I am still making some consultations before I announce my reasons for the action.” [myad]

Defend Yourselves Against Boko Haram, Jama’atu Nasril Islam Orders Muslims

Greenbarge Reporters

December 31, 2014

The Jama’atu Nasril Islam has directed Nigerian Muslims to defend themselves against any attack from Boko Haram and any other sect as it alleged that Nigerian government had failed to tackle the insurgents, especially in the North Eatern part of the country.

“That Muslims are strongly urged to defend themselves, in appropriate manner against any attack by insurgents and all other acts of violence by criminals, as it is a religious obligation to do so, particularly that government forces currently seem to be incapable.”

These were contained in a communiqué issued today by the JNI’s Secretary-General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar-Aliyu, said on Wednesday in Kaduna.

After appraising the Federal Government’s efforts in curbing the activities of the insurgents, the Muslim body said the government had failed and that government forces have shown that they are incapable of tackling the Boko Haram’s persistent attacks.

The JNI, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad AbubakarIII, noted that its call had become imperative owing to the low level of morale in the rank of the gallant Nigerian troops currently fighting the Boko Haram insurgents in the North-East.

It urged the government to wake up to its responsibilities of protecting the lives and property of Nigerians.

The communiqué, which was the outcome of a one-day stakeholders’ meeting on the security situation in the country, added: “That the current security challenges bedeviling the country persist largely as a result of the inability of the government to deploy effective strategies in tackling them.

“That the manifest low morale of troops, due to inadequate welfare, lack of desired weaponry and failure of intelligence among other reasons, are severely hindering the fight against insurgency.

“That despite the devastation being caused by the incessant sophisticated bombings evidenced by the huge losses of innocent lives and gross destruction of property, our politicians at all levels, and in all political parties, regrettably show very scanty or no concern about the national predicament and anguish but are only busy with political campaigns.

“That the economic base and development of the country are being systematically and grossly crippled by all forms of insurgencies, from Boko Haram to cattle rustling, illegal bunkering/theft and other militancy.

“That Muslims are strongly urged to defend themselves, in appropriate manner, against any attacks by insurgents and all other acts of violence by criminals, as it a religious obligation to do so, particularly that government forces currently seem to be incapable.” [myad]

Buhari To Nigerian Youths: Please Don’t Be Despaired By Security, Economic Challenges

Greenbarge Reporters

December 31, 2014

Former Head of State and presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Major General Muhammadu Buhari has asked Nigerian youths not to be despaired by the current security, economic and political challenges facing the country.
He asked them not to give up on the country but to vote for change in the 2015 elections.
In his New Year message, General Buhari said that he found it crucial to particularly and directly engage the youths because they are the “major stakeholders of this enterprise.
“The year 2014 was a challenging one for most citizens of our dear country. We remember our compatriots who were brutishly killed or maimed by evil terrorists in 2014. I remember with a still broken heart that 219 of our children from Chibok are yet missing, let down by a country that should protect them. I remember that, even as I speak, some of our towns and villages are yet under the occupation of Boko Haram.
“Yes, it is enough for you to despair. It is enough for you to wonder if your country cares about you and can protect you. But do not despair. 2015 has arrived at a time of great discomfort; but the beauty of the New Year is that we can look forward with renewed hope and the knowledge that things can and will change.
“In Nigeria’s case, we can truly look forward to the change that the elections can, and will, bring. Our country will be secured again. Our country will prosper again.”
The APC Presidential hopeful expressed confidence that 2015 will be the year to usher in a new story, “a story of our youth creating jobs and expanding the frontiers of innovation and creativity everywhere,” from the music industry to the education sector; all such creativity and innovations that will finally bring about “a permanent shift from our debilitating dependence on the free-falling price of crude oil.”
He expressed “unshakable faith that 2015 will be the year of change.
He asked: “what does change mean?” And answered: “Change means (1) A country that you can be proud of at anytime and anywhere: where corruption is tackled, where your leaders are disciplined and lead with vision and clarity; where the stories that emerge to the world from us are full of hope and progress. (2) A Nigeria in which neither you, nor your parents, families or friends will have to fear for your safety, or for theirs. (3) A Nigeria where citizens get the basics that any country should provide: infrastructure that works, healthcare that is affordable, even free; respect for the environment and sustainable development, education that is competitive and outcome-oriented in a knowledge-economy. (4) A country that provides jobs for its young people, reducing unemployment to the lowest of single digits and providing safety nets so that no one is left behind. (5) A Nigeria where entrepreneurship thrives, enterprise flourishes and the government gets out of your way so that you can create value, build the economy and aggressively expand wealth.”
As to whether all his promises are really feasible in the coming year, Buhari said that fulfilling campaign promises is the essence and outcome of leadership, and that is what his party and him promised Nigerians in 2015.
General Buhari appealed to Nigerians not to be too disappointed, angry and “so weighed down” to the point that they give up on Nigeria as a country, even though they are entitled to such negative feelings.
“Together, we can build a nation that is secure, prosperous and gives everyone a fair chance. This is the promise that 2015 holds. That is the promise that change will bring.”

[myad]

Pastor Oritsejafor Says 2015 Might Witness Nigeria’s Socio-Economic Revolution

Greenbarge Reporters

December 31, 2014

President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor has predicted that 2015 might just be that year in which Nigeria’s socio-economic revolution will be actualized.
He disagreed with the wide spread projections about 2015 whether in terms of security, infrastructure, politics and the economy, saying: “man is not God.”
In his New Year message to Christians and Nigerians, Pastor Oritsejafor noted that many people have alluded to the fact that the 2015 general elections would throw Nigeria into chaos but that as a man of faith “I see the election as Nigeria’s turning point.
“Leaders must be wise and courageous in their decisions in this coming year because as it has already been known, the challenges are becoming multifaceted from insecurity to crashing oil prices and many others.
“But I see a lot of positives and opportunities in the midst of these challenges and that is what I want Nigerians to absorb in their hearts; the year 2015 may seem quite challenging for Nigeria but it is one that equally holds a lot of hope and promise that could lead to the fulfilment that we have all yearned for.”
Part of the message goes thus:
“It gives me great pleasure and joy to extend my warmest regards to you all.
We have come to the end of another eventful year that truly tested our strengths and weaknesses; measures our faith in God and stretched our limits beyond what we all could have imagined.
Despite the daunting challenges, we were able to weather the storm and have emerged even stronger and can be counted among people of strong character and unwavering faith.
As we prepare to usher a brand new year 2015, I urge all Nigerians especially Christian faithful to brace up for the challenges ahead of us both as individuals and as a nation.
As we reflect on the events of the past year and look forward to the times ahead, I want us to concentrate on the issue of overcoming. In this light, it is important to emphasize the postulate that all challenges are timely, and they are not accidental.
God tests us in such ways to enable realize his greatness. You cannot realize the real value of your life if you have not compared it to something. God sends us trials so that we could understand the deepness of His goodwill and love.
No one is alone until he has his faith. The Bible has such words: “God withdrew from him, in order to test him, that He might know all that was in his heart” (Chronicles 32:31 NKJ).
So, you see that even in His withdrawal, God is always with us. Sending us trials and challenges, He wants to demonstrate us the real power we have inside, the real power he gave us. Often we fail to use it properly, because we don’t know how strong we are.
In order to help us see our values He assigned us to, He sends us trials. There is no sense in crying over the trouble – “the best way out is always through, you should not concentrate on your problems, but rather on the way how to solve them. Look forward, because life is beautiful, and God created it for us.
“That which does not kill us makes us stronger” – these words of the famous philosopher demonstrate that we are the instruments in the hands of God. Remember, how many times you thought that this was the hardest thing you’ve ever done. Then you experience something even harder, and you understand that you became stronger. Now you can endure even more. This is the eternal process of human development.
I have dwelt on these words of encouragement because I want all Nigerians to approach this New Year with a renewed sense of vigor and the understanding that we all must work for the kind of society that we desire to have. If we want peace and prosperity then we must work for it and not lament over the challenges.
But all these will not be possible if we continue to stay away from God or desist from doing his will in our small areas of jurisdiction, we must therefore approach everything in this year, first of all by inviting God’s presence to lead that particular venture and secondly by approaching it with a positive mind. That is the spirit that will lead Nigeria to the promise land.
Nigerians must learn to support their leaders in prayers and physical support in this New Year and above all things we must all exhibit love and sacrifice for ourselves and our nation in our collective quest of a better Nigeria beginning from 2015.
I reserve special accolade for gallant men and women in the battle ground, may their efforts to secure a one, united and peaceful nation never be in vain.
For our youths, women, the aged and all Nigerians, I wish them well in this New Year and pray that Almighty God grant our individual and collective desires as we enter the New Year.
May God bless us all.” [myad]

Ooni Of Ife, Oba Sijuade Clocks 85, Jonathan Says His Life Is Worth Celebrating

Greenbarge Reporters

December 31, 2014

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade will turn 85th tomorrow, January 1 and is looking forward to a birthday anniversary bash in his Palace even as President Goodluck Jonathan acknowledged that his life is worth celebrating.
In a congratulatory letter to the monarch, President Jonathan described him as one of the nation’s most revered royal fathers and praised his unwavering dedication to the highest ideals in his distinguished reign as the Ooni of Ife.
“On the occasion of your 85th birthday anniversary, I write to extend warm felicitations to Your Majesty on behalf of my family, the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Yours has been a life truly worthy of celebration. You have always readily availed our administration of your wise counsel and invaluable support as we work assiduously to reposition our dear nation for enduring peace, security, accelerated growth and development. For this, we owe you a debt of gratitude.”
The President joined his family, the good people of the historic kingdom of Ife, friends, protégés and well-wishers to thank God for his life.
He prayed to God to continue to guide, guard and prosper the Oba and for God to blesses him with many more years of good health and personal fulfillment. [myad]

UN Security Council Rejects Palestinian Statehood Resolution

Greenbarge Reporters

December 30, 2014

File photo: The United Nations Security Council

The United Nation Security Council on Tuesday night rejected a draft resolution on Palestinian statehood, with 8 votes in favour, 2 against, and 5 abstentions.

The USA voted against, but without the required nine votes in support of the resolution, Washington was not required to exercise its veto power. Australia joined the U.S. in rejecting the text.

Russia, China, France, Jordan, Chad, Luxemburg, Argentina, Chile voted in favour of the draft resolution. The UK, Rwanda, Lithuania, Nigeria, South Korea abstained.

The Council convened following moves by Jordan to bring the Palestinian-prepared draft resolution to the vote, with the backing of Arab ambassadors.

The resolution called for a Palestinian state on the territories occupied by Israel in 1967, with East Jerusalem as the capital. It also included a December 2017 deadline for an end to Israel’s occupation.

Earlier in the day, British UN Ambassador Mark Lyall Grant stated his country would not be backing the resolution, adding to an earlier declaration from the U.S. that it could not support the draft.

Security Council draft resolution on Palestinian question not adopted. Vote: 8 in favour; 2 (USA, AUS) against; 5 abstentions
— United Nations (@UN) December 30, 2014

[myad]

Jonathan Receives Urhobo Progress Union In Villa

Greenbarge Reporters

December 30, 2014

President Goodluck Jonathan (4^th Right), President General of Urhobo Progress Union, Chief Joe Omene (3^rd Right), Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Stephen Oruh (4^th Left) and others during the visit of Urhobo Progress Union to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, today, Tuesday, December 30. [myad]

Rivers PDP: Nyeson Wike Picks Woman As Running Mate

Greenbarge Reporters

December 30, 2014

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Rivers State, Chief Nyeson Wike has announced Mrs. Ipalibo Banigo as his running mate for the 2015 elections in the state.

Banigo, a medical doctor and retired career public servant had, at various times, served as permanent secretary, head of service and secretary to the state government.

Presenting the running mate today, Wike said Banigo, a Kalabari from Degema Local Government Area, had her MBBS from the University of Ibadan in 1976 and also attended some other first-rated universities abroad, including Harvard and the University of London.

Wike said the choice of a female running mate was informed by the desire to create a special place for women to play active role in the politics and development of the state.

He said the task of picking the deputy governor took a long time in order to get the right person to do the job, adding that it was more challenging because of what he said was the deep rot in governance in the state. [myad]

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