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Jonathan assures governors of mutual cooperation
Nigeria’s President, Goodluck Jonathan has promised to work with all re-elected and newly elected state governors, irrespective of their political affiliations to improve the quality of life of Nigerians.
He made the promise while addressing the 2011 induction and symposium for the elected governors at the Presidential Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja.
The two-day event, with the theme, ‘New Beginning, New Opportunities’, was organised by the Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF) to prepare the governors for the challenges of governance and nation building.
Jonathan challenged the governors to put aside partisan politics and collectively work toward the common good of their states and the nation at large.
In his words: “Irrespective of the political parties we belong to, we all have a common intent, a common call, and a common commitment. That commitment is to improve the quality of life of our people. We must, therefore, narrow our political boundaries, and resolve to work together to provide the basic amenities for our people. After all, most of the people who voted for us do not necessarily belong to political parties. At the centre, I will continue to run a Nigerian government that will be totally committed to handling Nigerian problems without sentiment or bias.''
Collaborations
The president said he and the governors must collectively work together to deliver electoral promises by enhancing the welfare and wellbeing of the people and inspiring their confidence in political leadership.
This, he stressed, they could achieve, through transparent, accountable, purpose-driven, people-centredandGodfearingleadership.
Jonathan challenged the governors to be in the forefront of preaching peace, harmony and ensuring the security of lives and property of the citizens.
Caution and admonitions
He particularly cautioned the governors-elect against meddling in the affairs of their states before taking the Oath of Office on May 29.
“I have heard disturbing news of some governors-elect attempting to interfere in the governance of their states. The serving governors have the constitutional mandate to run the affairs of the state till May 29”, he cautioned.
He also advised the serving governors not to set a precedent that will haunt them when they leave office.
“We are all indigenes of our states. If we must attract the respect of the people, then we must play politics without bitterness,'' he said.
Elder statesman, Alhaji Maitama Sule, also urged the governors to promote peace and love among Nigerians, irrespective of religious affiliations.
Sule, who was one of the key speakers at the event, advised the governors to always listen and adhere to constructive criticisms from the governed.
Another keynote speaker, Rev. Martins Kukah, urged the governors to adopt a peer-review mechanism for favourable competition.
Former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, advised the governors to shun political sentiment, noting that nation building could not be achieved in a situation of political partisanship.
He challenged them to diversify the economies of their states by investing in agriculture, manufacturing, agro-based industry and infrastructure development.
Re-union
The former Governors Achike Udenwa of Imo, Olusegun Osoba of Ogun, Obong Victor Attah of Akwa Ibom, Lucky Igbinedion of Edo and Bola Tinubu of Lagos were in attendance.
Governor Bukola Saraki, the Chairman of NGF, had earlier said that the programme was organised to afford the new and returning governors an opportunity to share in the experiences of their peers and former governors.
Reviewing the outcome of the April governorship elections, Saraki said four governors lost their bids for re-election, while five governors, including himself, completed their constitutionally allowed two terms.
He also recalled that five states did not hold governorship elections, because of tenure elongation that was allowed by the court.
Saraki said nine new governors were re-elected, while 17 first-term governors were re-elected for a second term.
NAN/ Qasim
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