Subsidy Removal: UN Commends Jonathan, as EU Passes Vote of Confidence

By Daniel Idonor

Special Adviser to the UNs' Sec Gen. Prof. Jeffrey Sachs and President Jonathan

ABUJA- United Nations, UN has commended President Jonathan for withdrawing the subsidy on petroleum products, describing it as “a bold and correct policy”.

Speaking during a visit to President Jonathan at the State House, Abuja, the Special Adviser to the United Nations’ Secretary General, Prof. Jeffrey Sachs, said the funds from the removal of subsidy would go a long way to rapid infrastructural development and the health sector.

Sachs also commended Nigeria’s president for his conditional grants to local governments for the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals, describing it as “one of the most innovative schemes of using national resources for local government development”.

Similarly, European Union, EU has said that it has confidence in Nigeria’s economic and political system.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Finland, Dr. Erkki Tuomoija, disclosed this while speaking to President Goodluck Jonathan during an audience at State House, Abuja. a

He stated that his country and most of Europe have confidence in Nigeria’s economy and political system.

“Your economy is doing very well, and many countries in Europe envy your growth figures”, he said, adding that “we have confidence in your democracy, and in your ability to deal with the terrorism and other challenges confronting you”.

Tuomoija described Nigeria as “a very important partner” and underlined the many similarities and views shared by the two countries on global issues in the United Nations and other multilateral for a, and assured President Jonathan of Finland’s continued cooperation.

Responding, President Jonathan said Nigeria was facing challenges, especially in the area of terrorism, and requested for technical assistance to check the menace.
Source: Vanguard, 6^th January 2012.

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I’ll explain why oil subsidy must go –Jonathan

From LAYI OLANREWAJU, Ilorin

President Goodluck Jonathan has announced his readiness to offer explanations to Nigerians on the resolve of his government to remove oil subsidy. He made this submission just as he said the government was not unmindful of the hardship being faced by the average Nigerian. 

Jonathan said this yesterday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital during the opening ceremony of the second quarterly meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC). 

The president, who did not mince words on his resolve to go ahead with the planned withdrawal of oil subsidy, however, said efforts were in top gear to address the hardship being faced by Nigerians. 

Aside creating job opportunities for the nation’s teeming youths, he said some sectors of the economy, especially agriculture would be strengthened to ameliorate the suffering of the citizens. 

Jonathan, who harped on the need for government at all levels to see agriculture as a potential tool for eradicating poverty in the country, noted that poverty level of the people of the North-Central geo-political zone was lower than that of other five zones because of the high level of agricultural practice in the zone. 
While congratulating NIREC for its contribution to the peace and stability of the country through its mediatory activities, Jonathan sued for its support in the implementation of government’s policies aimed at ensuring harmonious and peaceful coexistence of Nigerians of different faith. 
Saying that God wanted Nigerians to live together in peace, the President quoted copiously from the Qur’an and Bible to show that peace was the fulcrum of Islam and Christianity. 

In a remark, the President of Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN) NIREC co-chair, Pastor Ayo Oristejafor described the wanton killings in parts of the country by the Boko Haram sect as a declaration of war against the state. 
He charged the Federal Government to tackle the Boko Haram menace decisively, saying that “this issue should be seen as a declaration of war on the nation.” 

He added that “we should be concerned about the wanton daily killings of the innocent citizens. There is no substitute for peace, which we must all strive to achieve.” 
The co-chairman of NIREC and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar said the council, since its inception in 1999 had been going round the country to feel the pulse of Nigerians on what should be done to move the nation forward. 

Also speaking, the Chairman of Northern Governors’ Forum and Governor Mua’su Babangida Aliyu said “considering the current religious, political and socio-cultural challenges in some parts of the country, this meeting is very desirable and relevant as most of the conclusions that will be reached in this meeting today will help in complementing the efforts of government in meeting up the country’s socio-cultural and political challenges.” 
On his own, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed said Kwara State was a direct beneficiary of NIREC as a result of the peace existing in the state. 
He urged NIREC to harp on issues that unite Nigerians rather those that would divide the country. 
He also enjoined the council to organize annual seminars for youths on the need to maintain peace and stability of the country.
Source: Sun, 7^th December 2011.

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