JONATHAN RECEIVES FOREIGN LEADERS, PLEDGES ECONOMIC REFORM

Cleric canvasses good governance
PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday met with two visiting Presidents – Mrs. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia and George Maxwell Trinidad and Tobago – in Abuja, and announced that the Federal Government would soon review some of its economic policies to facilitate development.

The review, he said, would also encourage foreign companies to bring their operations to Nigeria.

Also, the Italian government yesterday congratulated President Goodluck Jonathan on his assumption of full term in office, saying his era would usher in the period in which Nigeria would attain its 'potentialities, in terms of consolidating stability and prosperity' for its citizens.

In a message sent to President Jonathan, the Italian Republic President, Georgio Napolitano said Nigeria's growth would fast-track the development of the West Africa sub-region.

Praying for the wellbeing and prosperity of Nigeria, President Napolitano said he looked forward to better ties between both countries in all sectors of mutual interest.

As President Jonathan and other newly inaugurated elected officials set to work, General Overseer, The Lord's Chosen Charismatic Revival Movement (TLCCRM), Pastor Lazarus Muoka, has urged them to have the interests of the masses at heart.

Muoka also charged them to fix the power problem, create a good security system to protect lives and property, repair roads and revamp the comatose economy, among others.

The cleric stated this yesterday at the headquarters of the church at Ijesha, Lagos, where he addressed the media on his church's forthcoming crusade, with the theme, 'The God of Miracles.'

He also urged Nigerians to pray for the new leaders so that they can rule with the fear of God and build a new Nigeria.

President Jonathan also held talks with representatives of other nations, including the Burundi Vice- President, Gervais Rufyikiri Gervai; Zambian Vice President, George Kunda and special envoys from North Korea, Morocco, Kuwait and China.

Meeting with them at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja where most of the visiting leaders stayed for the inauguration, President Jonathan said Nigeria was ready to enhance its bilateral, multilateral and economic relations with the countries.

On rail transportation, President Jonathan specifically assured the Chinese government of further collaboration to ensure that the rail system becomes fully operational in order to ease the transportation of goods and services across the country.

He also promised to strengthen bilateral relations with Kuwait to boost Nigeria's energy sector, stating that both countries have common interest in the oil sector.

President Jonthan said his commitment to free and fair elections was borne out of the desire to allow the will of the people to prevail.

According to him, 'no matter how good a leader is, he must pass through a clean and clear democratic process.'

The foreign leaders commended President Jonathan for fulfilling his promise of a free and fair election as well as holding a successful inauguration.

They assured him of support towards making his tenure the beginning of a new dawn, renewed friendship and solidarity between Nigeria and their countries.

The foreign leaders acknowledged Nigeria's leading role in Africa and global affairs, even as they expressed the desire to see Nigeria take up a permanent seat on United Nations Security Council.

Muoka said: 'I counsel them to ensure that everything they are doing are directed by God Almighty. And they should ensure that they have the interests of the masses that elected them in their hearts.'

For those who lost out in the elections, the cleric charged them to accept defeat in good faith and extend hands of sportsmanship to the victors won.

Napolitano wrote: 'I am glad to convey to Your Excellency my most sincere and heartfelt wishes for the discharge of your high office, which will represent the continuation of the important work that has already started in the past year in which you led your country.

'Italy looks with great friendship and to its potentialities, in terms of consolidating stability and prosperity, which the social and development of your country could foster also in the regional framework.