NEWS: President Goodluck Jonathan Releases 1.9 Billion Naira To Fight Ebola Virus

President Goodluck Jonathan has declared the control and containment of the Ebola virus in Nigeria, as a National Emergency and has directed the Federal Ministry of Health to work in collaboration with the State Ministries of Health, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant agencies to ensure that all possible steps are taken to effectively contain the threat of the Ebola virus in line with international protocols and best practices.

In a statement in Abuja Friday, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati said the President Jonathan has also approved a Special Intervention Plan and the immediate release of N1. 9 billion for its implementation, to further strengthen on-going steps to contain the virus such as the establishment of additional isolation centres, case management, contact tracing, deployment of additional personnel, screening at borders, and the procurement of required items and facilities.

According to Dr Abati, in order to check the spread of the Virus, the President further called on religious leaders as well as private day care, nursery, primary and secondary schools owners to consider the option of extending the current school holiday until such a time when a national reassessment of the level of the Ebola threat is conducted.

More details soon!!!

NEWS: President Goodluck Jonathan Says "The Government Knew Where The Missing Chibok Girls Are"

President Goodluck Jonathan has called for effective international assistance in the fight against Boko Haram insurgency in some parts of the country and rescue of the over 200 girls of Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State,  kidnapped 115 days ago.

The President also insisted that the government knew the whereabouts of the girls.

According to him, the Federal Government is encouraging intermediaries who have offered to persuade the Boko Haram terrorist group to release the girls.

Speaking, yesterday,  in an interview with the Washington Times in Washington, USA, where he is attending an African Leaders Summit convened by US President, Barrak Obama, President Jonathan explained that government considered the safety of the girls as very paramount, hence the adoption of several methods in the operation.

The President in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, said he was appreciative of the support of the international community in the ongoing rescue efforts of the Chibok girls.

While describing a strict military approach to the rescue effort as ‘delicate,’

President Jonathan said: “If it is to risk a few dead bodies, it is easier. You can blast the place and carry the corpses. But is that what we have to do? So it is delicate.”

The President reiterated that the Federal Government had information on the location of the kidnapped girls, but was being mindful of the consequences of invading the location to avoid a repeat of an episode in February 2013 in which an offshoot of Boko Haram killed seven foreign hostages in northern Nigeria before authorities could rescue them1

NEWS: Malala Yousafzai Says 'President Goodluck Jonathan Would Soon Meet With Parents And Guardians Of Abducted Chibok Girls'

An education activist, Malala Yousafzai, said on Monday President Goodluck Jonathan would soon meet with the parents and guardians of the abducted Chibok school girls in Borno.

Yousafzai told State House correspondents after her meeting with the President in the Presidential Villa, Abuja that the President also promised that the abducted girls would soon be released alive by their captors.

According to her, the parents of the affected girls, whom she met on Sunday, said they wanted to meet with the President to share their stories with him.

“They were asking if it is possible they meet the president because, at this time they need people’s support, they need their President’s support.

“So, I asked the President that is it possible for him to go and see the parents, to see these girls, to encourage them and to tell them that yes, their daughters will return home

“The President did promise me and he said, he will meet the parents of these girls.

“I’m hopeful that these two promises, the return of those girls under the abduction of Boko Haram and meeting the parents of those girls will be fulfilled and we will see it really soon,’’ she said

She called on the international community to support Nigeria in the ongoing fight against the menace of insurgency saying the country should not be left alone in tackling the problem.

According to Yousafzai, her ongoing agitation for the release of the kidnapped girls will continue until all the girls regain their freedom.

“I can’t stop this campaign until I see those girls return back to their families and continue their education. This is the position of the Malala Foundation.

“I am hopeful that the international community will also consider this very important and take serious action because if we think this country is far away in Africa and is not going to affect other countries, we are really wrong,’’ she said.

She also called on the Federal Government to increase its budgetary allocation to the education sector to address the challenges of those children that were out of school across the country.

Yousafzai, who celebrated her 17th birthday on Sunday, said she dedicated this year to her agitation for the release of the abducted school girls!

NEWS: President Goodluck Jonathan Pays Condolence Visit To Families Of Late Arisekola Alao

President Goodluck Jonathan has joined other thousands of Nigeria who have been paying condolence visit to the families of late Alhaji Azeez Arisekola, who died last Wednesday in London.

President Jonathan described the death of the late philanthropist as a monumental loss to the nation.

The president was represented by his deputy, Namadi Sambo, who was ushered into the residence of the deceased by Senator Hosea Agboola, Chief Olabode George, Mr. Oba Otudeko, Prince Ajibola Afonja, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi and some children of the deceased, expressed President Jonathan’s condolence message to the Oyo State Government.

Ajimobi, who could not hide his emotion on the loss of Arisekola said 'people who knew me know that I hardly cry in public. But Aare is worth crying for, look at his house, look at his children, is there anybody here that Aare has not touched his life?'

Tukur, Ajibola, others hold fidau prayer

Meanwhile, former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, Seyi Makinde, a PDP governorship aspirant and other dignitaries yesterday eulogised the late business mogul, as a third-day fidau prayer was held for the repose of his soul!

NEWS: President Goodluck Jonathan Says 'Bayero Will Always Be Remembered For Wisdom, Competence'

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has received with immense sadness and a deep feeling of great national loss, news of the passing away of the highly revered Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero earlier today.

The President in a statement signed by Reuben Abati, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) said that Alhaji Ado Bayero will always be remembered and honoured by the people of Kano and all Nigerians for his immense wisdom and competence as a traditional ruler

The statement read thus …

"On behalf of himself, his family, the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria, President Jonathan commiserates with the Emir’s family and all the people of Kano over whom the departed Emir presided illustriously as traditional ruler for more than half a century".

The President joins them in mourning the monarch whose uncommon leadership qualities and evident faith in the peace, unity, progress, and prosperity of Nigeria combined to make him one of the most respected traditional rulers in the country during his long and very successful reign.

President Jonathan believes that Alhaji Ado Bayero will always be remembered and honoured by the people of Kano and all Nigerians for his immense wisdom and competence as a traditional ruler, as well as for using his exalted throne to build bridges of unity, friendship and harmony across the nation.

The President reaffirms his declaration on the occasion of the Emir’s 50th anniversary celebrations last year that the late Alhaji Ado Bayero was one of the most decent and respectable Nigerians he has had the privilege of interacting with, and he will always treasure pleasant memories of their last meeting earlier this year.

He prays that the Almighty Allah will receive the late Emir’s great soul and grant the good people of Kano a worthy successor who will carry on his good works and wise rule for the well-being and benefit of all Nigerians.’

NEWS: President Goodluck Jonathan’s Democracy Day Speech

Fellow Nigerians,

1.I greet and felicitate with you all, today, as we mark 15 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in our beloved country.

2.Our dear nation, Nigeria, has certainly come a long way and made notable progress since our first Democracy Day on May 29, 1999 when the military finally relinquished power and handed over to a democratically-elected government, marking the true beginning of a government of the people, by the people, for the people.”

3.Although I have ordered a low-key commemoration of this year’s Democracy Day in deference to the current mood of the nation, there can be no doubt that the past 15 years, the longest period of sustained democratic governance in our country, have been a blessing to us, as a people.

4.As we commemorate 15 years of our Fourth Republic today therefore, I believe that it is fitting that we pay tribute once again to all those who played a part in restoring our nation to the true path of democratic governance, built on the foundations of rule of law and freedom of expression.

5.As a result of our collective efforts since 1999, democratic governance is now entrenched in our nation and institutions. I wholeheartedly believe that our people are the better for it. The scope of fundamental rights and liberties enjoyed by our people over the past 15 years has been expanded beyond measure.

6. On my watch, we have witnessed high national economic growth rates, steady improvements and expansion of national infrastructure including airports and roads, the restoration of rail transportation, the efficient implementation of a roadmap for improved power supply, a revolutionary approach to agricultural production, as well as advances in education, sports, youth development, healthcare delivery, housing, water supply and other social services.

7. In the oil and gas sector, our promotion of a sustainable local content policy, continues to guarantee equity and better opportunities for Nigerian entrepreneurs and skilled personnel.

8. Significant increase in mobile telephone and national broadband penetration, making Information and Communications Technology (ICT) one of the fastest growing sectors of the Nigerian economy. We have also developed strong financial markets and regulatory institutions. Our banks now have regional and global footprints.

9. Nigeria has also gained recognition as the largest economy in Africa, the most preferred investment destination in the continent and in terms of returns on investment, the fourth in the world. We are pleased that the world has noticed, as global leaders converged in Abuja early this month for the World Economic Forum in Africa.

10. The event not only witnessed a record attendance, it brought the prospect of an additional flow of investment into the Nigerian economy estimated at over $68 billion over the next few years.

11. In foreign relations, our country has equally done well within this period, by establishing and strengthening strong partnerships with all ECOWAS countries and the rest of the world. This has helped to deepen Nigeria’s leadership role in multilateral institutions including the United Nations.

12. Furthermore, under this administration, we have made consistent progress in improving the standard of elections in our country to ensure that they are ever more credible and truly representative of the people’s free choice. The National Conference we initiated to deliberate and make recommendations on the best ways of resolving our current political and socio-economic challenges is on-going. It is our expectation that its outcomes will help to further consolidate the gains we have made from democracy in the past 15 years, and place our dear nation even more firmly on the path to greatness.

Dear Compatriots,

13. It is a sad fact that as I address you today, all the gains of the past 15 years of democratic governance in our country are threatened by the presence of international terrorism on our shores. Our dear country, Nigeria is facing a new challenge. A war has been unleashed on us. Extremist foreign elements, collaborating with some of our misguided citizens, are focused on an attempt to bring down our country and the democracy and freedom we cherish and celebrate today.

14. The despicable abduction of school girls from Chibok in Borno State has brought to the awareness of the entire world, the heartless brutality of these terrorists who want to instigate a descent into anarchy and balkanize our nation.

15. In recent years, terrorist attacks have claimed the lives of several of our compatriots, many have been injured or maimed, whole villages and communities have been destroyed and the economy of some of our states is in jeopardy.

16. There can be no doubt that what we are witnessing in Nigeria today is a manifestation of the same warped and ferocious world view that brought down the Twin Towers in New York, killed innocent persons in Boston and led to the murder of defenceless people in the Southern Russian city of Volgograd. Terrorist activities have brought war and pains to Mali, Somalia, Yemen, Syria, Afghanistan and Pakistan. These agents of evil continue to brainwash and incite ignorant young men and women to attack the innocent. We cannot allow this to continue.

17. I welcome the statements of solidarity from patriotic citizens and the global community in support of our efforts to stamp out terrorism. I applaud the understanding that in a democracy, such as we are building, people can have differences while sharing worthy values and standing together in opposition to the scourge of terrorism. Nigeria is the only country we have and we must all work to preserve it for present and future generations.

18. Despite the challenges we face, we must commend our security forces. We must not forget their gallantry and successes in liberating nations and in peacekeeping, from Liberia to Sierra Leone, Congo, Sudan, Mali, Guinea-Bissau and many places in Africa and beyond. Our forces have paid the supreme price in several places at several times.

19. Today, they face a different challenge, an unconventional war by terrorists. They are adjusting and are being equipped to tackle the new menace of terrorism. We must show confidence in their ability. I have no doubt that, with the support of Nigerians, our neighbours and the international community, we will reinforce our defence, free our girls and rid Nigeria of terrorists.

20. It is now 45 days since the horrifying abduction of the college girls of Chibok. I share the deep pain and anxiety of their parents and guardians and I assure them once again that government will continue to do everything possible to bring our daughters home.

21. I am determined to protect our democracy, our national unity and our political stability, by waging a total war against terrorism. The unity and stability of our country, and the protection of lives and property are non-negotiable. I have instructed our security forces to launch a full-scale operation to put an end to the impunity of terrorists on our soil.

22. I have also authorized the security forces to use any means necessary under the law to ensure that this is done. I assure you that Nigeria will be safe again, and that these thugs will be driven away – it will not happen overnight, but we will spare no effort to achieve this goal.

23. For our citizens who have joined hands with Al Qaeda and international terrorists in the misguided belief that violence can possibly solve their problems, our doors remain open to them for dialogue and reconciliation, if they renounce terrorism and embrace peace.

24. My government, while pursuing security measures, will explore all options, including readiness to accept unconditional renunciation of violence by insurgents, and to ensure their de-radicalisation, rehabilitation and re-integration into the broader society.

Dear Compatriots,

25. We must remain united to win the war against terrorism. Christians, Moslems, farmers, fishermen, herdsmen, teachers, lawyers, clergy or clerics, the rich, the poor and Nigerians from all sections of the country must work together with our security agencies and armed forces to overcome the terrorists who now threaten all that we hold dear.

26. The war against terror may be difficult, but the days of peace will come again. Terror is evil; nowhere in history has evil endured forever. The menace of Boko Haram will surely come to an end. I believe that because of your prayers, your courage, hardwork, faith and sacrifice, we will ultimately prevail over the terrorists and all other evil forces.

27. We are a strong, resilient and courageous people. We will continue to partner with the civilized world, to confront international terrorism and every other challenge that comes our way with patriotic zeal and determination.

Fellow Nigerians,

28. Yes, we have challenges but we will surely overcome. Nigeria is our country. Nigeria is blessed. We will all collectively protect, defend and develop this country for ourselves, and our children.

29. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

30. Thank you and God bless Nigeria.

NEWS: South Africans Boo At President Goodluck Jonathan #BringBackOurGirls

President Goodluck Jonathan was greeted with shouts of “Bring Back Our Girls” when he arrived at the Union Buildings, where Zuma was inaugurated.

Nigeria‘s President Goodluck Jonathan is among more than 20 heads of state gathered for the event.

African leaders in Pretoria for President Jacob Zuma’s inauguration will hold informal talks on the security situation in Nigeria, South Africa’s government said on Saturday.

Government spokesman Clayson Monyela said they would meet to discuss security in Nigeria, where the kidnapping of 276 schoolgirls has laid bare the government’s inability to tackle an insurgency by the Islamist group Boko Haram.

The talks follow a spate of attacks in Nigeria, which is under growing international pressure to tackle the increasingly bloody uprising.

NEWS: President Goodluck Jonathan Says 'I Am Not Slow' #BringBackOurGirls

ABUJA – Thirty days after the abduction of the over 200 Chibok girls in Borno State, President Goodluck Jonathan, Thursday, condemned in strong terms the speculation of some Nigerians that he is slow in bringing back the abducted girls.

He stated this while addressing the protesters from #Bring Back Our Girls campaign group in Abuja.

He said he is not slow in acting because he is on constant discussions with security chiefs almost daily and is in constant consultations with regional and global partners on the terrorist threats.

He also said that the federal government took action from the first day the girls were abducted, and directed the security services to go after the abductors, noting that the search for the girls had now assumed regional and global proportion and that Nigeria had received strong support from neighbouring countries and international communities, including the United States, China, the United Kingdom and the entire African continent.

‘‘It is wrong and most unfair to suggest that there has been slow reaction to this kidnapping. From the very first day this occurred, the federal government took action directed our security services to go after the abductors.

The search for our daughters has now assumed regional and global proportion and our nation has received strong support from neighbouring countries and international communities, including the united states, china , Africa, the united kingdom and the entire African continent.’’

‘‘That is why I want to appeal to your group that it is important that your genuine patriotic zeal is matched with the realistic understanding of the situation in expressing concern and sentiment on this matter and other matters of terrorism. We are working hard with other nations in order to secure the release of the girls as soon as possible.’’

The President was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, Minister of Federal Capital Territory, FCT and State, Senator Bala Muhammed and Minister of State, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, Minister of Environment, Mrs. Lawrencia Laraba-Mallam, Minister of Niger-Delta, Mr. Darius Ishaku,Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, Senior Assistant to the President on media, Dr. Rueben Abati and the Senior Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Dorun Okukpe among others.

The President also in the speech read by the Minister of State FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, further explained that federal government as part of efforts to rescue the abducted girls had mobilized all resources, military and diplomatic in the search for our girls.

Similarly, he stated that the security forces also had reached out to the Borno State government and community members for support and collaboration to bring back the girls, adding that the search for the girls is receiving support.

‘‘So far, the search for our girls is on and is receiving global support. Nigeria in collaboration with Niger, Chad, Cameroon and Benin republic have all agreed to establish a single centre for sharing intelligence on the activities of terrorist across our national boundaries.

Apart from those efforts in the public space, the President said federal government had initiated consultations with so many stakeholders to explore alternative matters of resolving this crisis.

NEWS: President Goodluck Jonathan NOT Willing To Release Boko Haram Fighters For Abducted Chibok Secondary School Girls

Nigeria‘s President Goodluck Jonathan has ruled out the release of Boko Haram fighters in exchange for the freedom of more than 200 school girls kidnapped

Britain’s Africa minister Mark Simmonds, in Nigeria for talks about the international rescue mission, told reporters Wednesday that he raised the issue with Jonathan during a meeting in Abuja.

“I did discuss this with the president and he made it very clear that there will be no negotiation with Boko Haram that involves a swap of abducted schoolgirls for prisoners”, he told reporters.

Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau suggested in a video released on Monday that he may be prepared to release the girls if Nigeria freed militants held in the country’s jails.

Interior Minister Abba Moro immediately rejected the plan, telling AFP that the Islamist group, which has waged a deadly insurgency in northeast Nigeria since 2009, could not dictate terms.

A door appeared to have opened to discussions about the girls on Tuesday, when special duties minister Taminu Turaki indicated that the teenagers’ freedom could up for discussion.

Simmonds said Jonathan had now ruled that out, he added that the president was still prepared to fulfil his pledge of talking to the extremists about wider issues to end the violence.

- International search and support -

The rejection of a prisoner swap came as international powers ramped up the search effort, including with the use of US military surveillance drones and manned aircraft.

The Pentagon said it had deployed the robotic Global Hawk, which flies at high altitude, and the manned MC-12, a propeller plane heavily used in Afghanistan.

Both types of aircraft are “unarmed” and strictly being used for surveillance.

However, the data is not yet being shared with the Nigerians because Washington is still working out an agreement to govern the sharing of intelligence, Colonel Steven Warren told reporters.

Hawkish Republican Senator John McCain said the Pentagon should consider acting unilaterally and sending US special forces in to rescue the girls.

He mocked the capabilities of Nigeria‘s military and said any special forces entry to deal with the Boko Haram “animals” should be done without their knowledge.

US military officials said privately that a rescue mission would be fraught with massive risks and dangers and that it currently was not deemed an option.

In London, British Prime Minister David Cameron told parliament a Sentinel surveillance aircraft and a military team would be sent to Abuja to assist in the search.

France, Israel and China are also involved, with the hunt focused on the Sambisa forest area of Borno state, although there are fears the girls may have been split up and taken to neighbouring Chad or Cameroon.

Worldwide interest has been growing in the plight of the missing girls after 276 teenagers were abducted from their school in the remote northeastern town of Chibok on April 14. A total of 223 are still missing.

Jonathan’s office said he had received “solidarity calls” from the prime ministers of Algeria, Abdelmalek Sellal, and Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif.

In Paris, President Francois Hollande’s office said the leaders of Benin, Cameroon, Niger and Chad would meet with Jonathan in the French capital on Saturday for a security summit.

Representatives from the European Union, Britain and the United States would also attend, the Elysee said.

“The meeting will discuss… how to cut off (Boko Haram) by intelligence, how to train to fight and drive out the killers,” Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius added.

- Special powers -

Jonathan on Tuesday requested parliamentary approval for a six-month state of emergency first imposed in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states on May 14 last year.

Lawmakers in the lower House of Representatives began discussing the issue while senators from the upper chamber summoned the ministers of defence and police affairs, military and security chiefs to brief them on Thursday.

By law, the request has to be approved by two-thirds of both chambers.

The extension request was widely expected but its effectiveness has been questioned.

The governor of Yobe state, however, voiced his opposition to extending the state of emergency and it is likely that Borno and Adamawa will follow suit.

All three states are run by the main opposition All Progressives Congress party, which is eyeing power in next year’s general election.

Attacks have increased on rural areas leading to mounting civilian casualties. More than 1,500 are estimated to have been killed this year alone.

Security analysts have urged Nigeria to improve its counter-insurgency tactics including more use of intelligence, instead of just conventional means, to defeat guerrilla fighters.

International military leaders hope their expertise could help refine Nigeria‘s tactics against Boko Haram. AFP

NEWS: President Goodluck Jonathan Refuses To Release Boko Haram Prisoners For Abducted Chibok Secondary School Girls

The Federal Government of Nigeria have allegedly said that it won't swap Boko Haram prisoners for abducted schoolgirls, according to AFP.

Earlier today the terrorist group released a new video message in which they purported to show some of the hundreds of girls they have captured from a town in the north-east of the country.

Abubakar Shekau, the leader of the militant group, also said that the girls had been converted to Islam while in captivity, which he referred to as a "liberation".

The 17-minute video, obtained by the news agency Agence France-Presse (AFP), showed around 100 girls wearing full veils and reportedly praying in an undisclosed location.

In a separate part of the video, Shekau said that the girls would remain captive until the Nigerian government releases all imprisoned Boko Haram militants.

When asked if the government would reject any offer of a deal in exchange for prisoners, interior minister Abba Moro told AFP: "Of Course."

He said: "The issue in question is not about Boko Haram giving conditions."

The video has raised further concerns that the girls have now been split up into a number of groups across a remote stretch of Nigeria, as well as fears some may have been smuggled out of the country altogether.

The Nigerian government has previously said it will not "pay a ransom" to get the girls back, and on Thursday the president, Goodluck Jonathan, vowed that he would make the incident "the beginning of the end" of terrorism in the country.

Three girls were reported to have appeared individually in the videos, with one of them saying that they had not been harmed by their captors.

NEWS: EME First Lady Niyola Calls President Goodluck Jonathan An 'Animal'

EME First Lady Niyola has described President Goodluck Jonathan being the animal leader in the novel 'Animal Farm' because of his leadership style and the way he's handling the issue about the missing Chibok Secondary School girls!

Animal Farm is a novel where animals, led by some pigs, chased away the human minders of the farm, took over the helms of affair and turned round to inflict untold hardship on other animals, killing some, maiming others and generally making life difficult for their subjects.

Niyola also describes the president as a Zoologist, blaming him for the troubles the country is going through at present!

On Twitter, she said: 

'Our problems are deeper and greater than we even imagine. At this point, we don't know who to trust! God help Nigeria'

"@OsaGz: Nigeria reminds me of 'Animal Farm' and we conveniently have a Zoologist as a leader."

'#Bring back our girls! Nothing else matters'