Jonathan in Delta, assures Nigerians of peace, security

President Goodluck Jonathan has assured Nigerians that his administration would not compromise the restoration of peace and security in all parts of the country.

Mr. Jonathan, accompanied by the Governor of Delta State, Emmanuel Uduaghan, and other prominent Nigerians, gave the assurance Friday during a courtesy visit to the Asagba of Asaba, Chike Edozien, at his palace in Asaba, Delta State.

According to the President, his administration has always done what is best for Nigeria, asserting: “I want to re-assure you that as a party, we will do our best to bring peace and security to the country, and fast-track economic development in all parts of the country.”

He disclosed that he is seeking re-election because of his commitment towards re-positioning the country positively amongst the comity of nations as well as do more for the country.

The president stated that on assumption of office, he found that of the 36 states of the country, 12 had no Federal University which his administration has corrected within the past four years.

“We have tarred over twenty-five thousand kilometres of the thirty six thousand kilometres (36, 000 km) Federal Roads and we promise to complete the remaining ones and open up more arterial roads when re-elected,” he said.

While disclosing that over 90 per cent of narrow gauge rails have been completed throughout the country, Mr. Jonathan said “the implementation of the Nigerian content law in the oil industry has improved the participation of Nigerians in the industry and the implementation of our cabotage law with Nigerians now owning ships and more Nigerians have been employed in the shipping industry”.

“We also saw the need to establish Maritime University for high-powered man-power development in the Maritime Sector; we are moving the country forward,” he said.

“We are not resting on our oars in concluding the privatisation of the power sector as we believe that to improve the small and medium enterprise sector, power is very important. We believe that by next year, we would have concluded 100 per cent privatization of the power sector, it will take a life of its own with epileptic power supply becoming a thing of the past.”

The president thanked the Asagba of Asaba and other royal fathers for their support for his administration assuring that he would not disappoint them.

Earlier, the Governor of Delta State, Mr. Uduaghan said President Jonathan was delivering on his promises to Nigerians, noting that Delta State was a great beneficiary of the restructuring of the power sector by the administration.

He said the president was in Delta State a few weeks ago for the Presidential Campaign rally of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and as a man who loves Deltans, he was visiting the state again for another official ceremony.

The Asagba of Asaba, Obi Chike Edozien, who prayed for the president, observed that President Jonathan deserves re-election to enable him in particular, implement the recommendations of the report of the National Conference which “he was bold to constitute”.

“We are delighted with the good work you are doing, we appreciate you and wish you the best,” the Asagba said.