16th October, 2010
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has concluded his two day visit to Imo State with promise that he will ensure that criminality which has grounded social and business activities in the South East region will soon be a thing of the past.
In the same vein, President Jonathan has also re-affirmed his commitment to free and fair elections in 2011.
Speaking on the security situation particularly in the South- East region, at a town hall meeting which held in the multi-purpose hall of the Imo Government House,
President Jonathan said the nation needed a “strong legislation” to confront the worrisome security situation.
Hence, he said, the Federal Government would review the anti-terrorism Bill currently before the National Assembly to meet the current security challenges.
“I have directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to review the anti-terrorism Bill before the National Assembly.
“A kidnapper or robber for instance must not be allowed to own any property in and outside the country. Such property will be confiscated and handed over to government.
No part of this country will be a sanctuary for criminals”, Jonathan warned.
The President said Federal Government will leave no stone unturned to deal with new forms of terrorism in the country by procuring helicopter gunships and distribute to states to help in combating crime.
On the current strike lecturers in the South-East Universities, President Jonathan said the Federal Government has waded in to the crisis to find a lasting solution to it.
The President re-assured that Government is committed to revamping the education sector towards a productive workforce.
He said the 6-3-3-4 system of education would be reviewed to strengthen primary and secondary education in the country, in line with resolutions at the recent education summit held in Abuja.
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has also on Friday night reassured that his administration would ensure that every vote counts at the coming general elections.
“We are determined that our votes must count and I am totally committed that we must practice true democracy where the electorate will decide their destiny through their votes,†the President stated while speaking during a state banquet organised in his honour by the Imo State Government.
He also admonished politicians to play the game according to the rules and avoid politics of blackmail.
He dismissed rumours making the rounds that he has strained relationship with some state governors, saying such insinuations are baseless and ill-conceived.
“There is no basis for anyone to insinuate that I have problem with any governor.
President Jonathan described Imo State as his second home and assured the government and people of the state that the Federal Government would work with them for its development.
He commended Governor Ohakim for the good job he is doing in Imo, noting that the spate of grassroot development across the nation indicate that both the Federal and state governments are on the same page in delivering good governance.
“Before our centenary celebrations as an independent nation, Nigeria would certainly be a transformed country and the journey begins today,†Jonathan stated.
Earlier in his remarks, Governor Ohakim declared total support of the South East region for the President saying that “the entire Igbo land is totally with you”.
He welcomed the President and his entourage to the state and assured them of peaceful and remarkable working visit.
On arrival in Imo yesterday, the President commissioned the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua drive constructed by the state government.
The President also paid a courtesy call on the traditional ruler of Owerri, Eze Emmanuel Njemanze, in his palace.
At the Eze’s palace, President Jonathan assured that Government would continue to support the traditional institution in the discharge of its duties.
Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, Governors Theodore Orji of Abia, Godswill Akpabio of Akwa-Ibom and Timipre Sylva of Bayelsa joined the host governor to welcome the President and his entourage.
Other dignitaries included former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, former Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro, PDP chieftain, Chief Emmanuel Nwanyanwu, President General of the Ohaeneze, Chief Ralph Uwezue, Chief Rochas Okorocha, National Assembly members, traditional rulers and other top government functionaries.
By Oluokun Ayorinde/Abuja
