JONATHAN CONDEMNS TERRORISM, PLEDGES NIGERIA'S COMMITMENT TO AU

President Goodluck Jonathan has strongly condemned the act of terrorism, especially the one in Kampala, Uganda, during the soccer World Cup final match in which innocent lives were lost.

Speaking at the African Union (AU) summit, for the first time, during the opening ceremony of the 15th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the AU in Kampala Uganda, yesterday, President Jonathan also pledged his personal commitment to work towards realisation of the vision of the continental organisation. He assured of Nigeria's commitment to pursuing and promoting the ideals of the AU.

On the terrorist attack, he sympathise with the people of Uganda and assured of the solidarity of the government and people of Nigeria.

Jonathan specifcally thanked the governments and people of African countries for their 'kind words of empathy,' and personal visits to Abuja, following the passing away of late President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua.

He stressed that his demise was a great loss to Nigeria in particular and Africa in general because he championed the global ideals of rule of law, accountability and transparency. The President also congratulated President Jacob Zuma and the people of South Africa on the successful hosting of the recent FIFA World Cup and for 'making Africa proud.'

The current AU Chairperson, President Bingu Wa Mutharika, of Malawi, had, on behalf of the organization, earlier expressed the condolences of the AU to Nigeria over the death of former President Yar'Adua. After formally congratulating President Jonathan on his assumption of leadership in Nigeria, he welcomed him to the AU Summit.