Jonathan Says 2nd Niger Bridge To Commence On The 10th, As Anambra Stakeholders Express Gratitude To Him
President Goodluck Jonathan said thst the second Niger Bridge would be flagged off on the 10th of March, 2014, assuring thst once started, it would go on non-sop, as, according to him, the financing for the project had been worked out. He said this yesterday at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, when stakeholders from Anambra State led by the Obi of Onitsha, Alfred Achebe paud him what they called " thank you and solidarity visit," particularly to thank him for working harmoniously and cordially with Gov. Peter Obi, whose tenure expires on the 17th of March, 2014.
The president who said he was the one to rather thank the people of Anambra for the gift of Peter Obi to Nigeria, said that he was merely stepping aside as his services would still be needed as a member of the Economic Management team. Describing the Governor as hard working, he said his contributions at meetings were marked by depth and insight on issues.
Commenting on insecurity problems in some parts of the world, the President said that it was a painful phase in Nigeria's development that will soon come to an end. He said the federal Government would not relent in tackling the problems affecting the country in any facet.
Earlier, the Anambra stakeholders expressed gratitude to President Goodluck Jonathan for his support and encouragement to Governor Peter Obi to deliver his vision to the people. In an address delivered by a former Minister of Health, Prof ABC Nwosu, the delegation while commending Mr. President for his transformational leadership, thanked him for giving the Governor broad and open support, as well as creating the political space and enabling environment for Governor Obi to shepherd the State from a pariah status to stability, civility, security, economic growth and to reclaim its niche as the Light of the Nation, thereby being an instrument God used to save the State.
They noted that Governor Obi's administration, in spite of obvious challenges , remained visionary, courageous, meritorious, credible, exemplary and purposeful. The stakeholders extolled the Governor's efficient and skillful pruning of the cost of governance, partnership with the churches, extra-ordinary love for children and senior citizens and practical commitment to industrialization.
They requested the President to extend the same love, partnership, support and encouragement to the Governor Elect, Chief Willie Obiano to guide him to excel and reminded him of his promise to perform the ground breaking ceremony of the Second Niger Bridge before the end of the tenure of the Governor on 17th of this month.
The stakeholders assured President Jonathan of the unalloyed support in his drive to tackle the various challenges confronting the country, including insurgency in some parts of the country.
Speaking at the event, Gov. Peter Obi said thanked President Jonathan for the wonderful support accorded him and assured him that the Igbos are behind him in his efforts to serve Nigeria. He appealed to him to extend the same support to his successor, Chief Willie Obiano.
Some of those in the delegation were: Gov. Obi's Deputy, Emeka Sibeudu, Dr.the Governor-elect, Dr. Willie Obiano and his Deputy, Dr. Nkem Okeke; a former Governor of Anambra, Dr. Emeka Ezeife, Prof. Ben Nwabueze, Prof. ABC Nwosu, Dr. Tim Menakaya, the Obi of Onitsha, Alfred Achebe, Igwe Prof. Chukwuemeka Ike, Prince Arthur Eze, Dr. Okey Ikechukwu, Chief Chris Oranuo of Krisoral, Chief Ejike Imoka, Prof. Fiddles Okafor, Igwe Peter Anugwu, Catholic Bishop of Nnewi, Hilary Okeke, Anglican Bishop of Amichi, Ephrian Ikeakor, Bishop Paul Nwachukwu, Chief Victor Umeh, Sen. Ben Obi,Sen. Mike Ajaegbo, Justice Godwin Ononiba (Retd), Hon. Uche Ekwunife, Hons. Emeke Nwogbo, Hon. Chris Azobogu, Iyom Josephine Asika, Chief Emma Bishop Okonkwo, Chief Simon Okeke,Chief Wilie Nzewi, Chief Chris Ezeh,Igwe Roland Odegbo, Chief Vincent Obianodo, Sir Chika Okafor, Prof Godwin Onu, Dr. Innocent Onwubuya, Dr. Chinelo Okechukwu, Hon. Chukwuma Umeoji, Chief Chris Eluemuno, among others....