Full Text Of Goodluck Jonathan’s Address To The Council on Foreign Relations
1. I wish to commend the esteemed members of the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) for its continued interest in Nigerian Affairs.
2. We are always ready to work with the Council on areas of mutual interest especially those that foster greater understanding, facilitate growth and promote the mutual development of our two Nations.
3. In this regard the signing of the Bi-National Commission last week opens up a new vista of opportunity for Nigeria/US relations. The BNC marks a new threshold for greater collaboration between the private sectors of our two countries which we must support to drive our economies.
4. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen there is no doubt in my mind that we are presented with an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the future direction of Nigeria.
5. When I was a young man growing up in the Niger Delta, I had great dreams for the future. I was fascinated by science and discovery and the transformational powers of technology. So I pursued a course of study in science and for 10 years I remained in the field of science as a teacher nurturing the growth of young scientists in Nigeria. When I ventured out of the classroom it was again another opportunity to apply my background in science to protect the delicate ecosystem of the Niger Delta.
6. In both the classroom and my environmental protection work I came face to face with the challenges of sustainable development in Nigeria. The challenges of insufficient funding of critical sectors, mis-prioritization and low infrastructural base were always an obstacle to surmount.
7. But as an individual I continued to make progress and never conceded to these difficulties although of course I was later diverted into politics in 1999.
8. Throughout my political career I have applied the lessons of scientific inquiry and technological innovation to meet the challenges that my constituents face.
9. Today I am confronted with the greatest test of my political career. While we continue to pray for the recovery of our President, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’ Adua it is my responsibility to work with all Nigerians to improve the pace of development and to do so facing the right direction.
10. We have chosen for ourselves what I will call foundational responsibilities which if well shouldered will form a solid base for the development of Nigeria from this point onwards.
11. In this responsibility of consolidating and deepening our democracy, we are committed to ensuring that the remaining period of the administration is not a transitional period but one which, we hope, will one day be viewed as a watershed, a transformational time in our young democracy. For us in Nigeria this is our time. Either we continue with more of the same or we change the game.
12. There is no doubt that we have been faced by some challenges in our country but we have stabilized the polity and we are determined to consolidate on the gains so recorded. And for now our domestic focus must be on electoral reform, delivering peace dividends to the Niger Delta and standing strong on our resolve against corruption.
13. Internationally we are determined to restore Nigeria’s image and traditional role as a key member of the international community. In an increasingly uncertain world Nigeria is a key partner in our collective efforts to maintain peace and security in Africa and beyond. Nigeria will reiterate its commitments to fight terrorism and rededicate our efforts to promote development, democracy and a shared value for human progress.
14. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I thank you for the opportunity to share our thoughts and hopes with you on the present and future.
15. I thank you for your attention.
Source: AFP
Acting President Goodluck Jonathan will be received today in the White House by the US President, Mr. Barack Obama, at 5.45p.m after arriving Washington DC, at 9a.m (4a.m Nigerian time) this morning for the Nuclear Security Summit.
Jonathan and his entourage, travelled late last night to the US on Nigeria Air Force 001, the Presidential jet.
This is clearly an indication of the change in status of the acting president as the official aircraft of the Nigerian vice president is the Gulf Stream V. Taking a cue from the US system; only the American Presidents travel on the Air Force One. The US Vice President has his official jet which is Air Force Two.
According to the President’s itinerary obtained by THISDAY yesterday, Jonathan would be received at the Air Force Base, Washington DC by members of the Nigerian mission in US, led by Professor Adebowale Adefuye. US officials are also expected to be on ground to receive the Acting President.
Jonathan will be accompanied on the visit by Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr. Odein Ajumogobia, Minister of Petroleum, Mrs. Deziani Allison-Madueke, and her counterpart in the Ministry of Finance, Mr Olusegun Aganga.
Also expected to join the Acting President at the meeting with Obama are Adefuye, former Ambassador Hassan Adamu and Nigeria Ambassador to the United Nations, Professor Joy Ogwu.
Tomorrow, the Acting President would hold a breakfast meeting with the Council on Foreign Relations and then have lunch with US Vice President, Joe Biden. Jonathan will also meet with the World Bank President, Robert Zoellick, at 3p.m from where he would depart for the opening ceremony of the Nuclear Security Summit at 4:30p.m.
The Acting President would spend the whole of Tuesday at the Nuclear Security Summit. On Wednesday, according to the itinerary,Jonathan would have a breakfast meeting at the Center for Global Development and hold lunch with Corporate Council on Africa. A meeting had also been scheduled to hold between him and the President of ExxonMobil at 3p.m the same day. The Acting President is expected to depart US 6p.m on Wednesday for Nigeria after meeting with the Nigerian community at 4p.m.
The US trip also marked Jonathan’s first official trip outside the country since he became Acting President. The presidential jet, a Boeing 737-700, was converted to BBJ- a business jet. It has the capacity to travel 10 hours without stopping to refuel. The fuel capacity can therefore not enable the plane to make a direct flight to the US. What this means is that the jet would stop-over either in Darka, Senegal or London, United Kingdom where it is expected to refuel before it continues with the trip.
On Jonathan’s entourage are Minister of Foreign Affairs, Odein Ajuimogobia (SAN); minister of state for Foreign Affairs, Aliyu Idi Hong, Minister of finance, Olusegun Aganga, Wakili Adamawa, Amb. Hassan ÆAdamu, Dr Emmanuel Egbogah, Special Adviser to the President on Petroleum; Dr Martins Uhomoibhi, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs and oil magnate, Mr Femi Otedola. Minister of Petroleum, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke who on official duties is in Los Angeles, United States will also join the acting president’s team in Washington.
Five state governors are also in the entourage, amongst whom is Governor Ikedi Ohakim of Imo State, who had earlier gone to the US.
His advance team, THISDAY learnt, had left for the US since Friday. Members of the advance team included senior special assistant on strategy, Mr. Oronto Douglas and his colleague in charge of media, Mr. Ima Niboro.
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ABUJA — Nigeria’s acting leader flies to the United States at the weekend on his first foreign trip since taking over two months ago from the country’s sick president, the government said on Friday.
Acting President Goodluck Jonathan will be in Washington to attend an international nuclear security summit and is expected to meet US President Barack Obama.
“He is expected to meet US President, Barack Obama, on Sunday, April 11, for a one-on-one meeting. He is also expected to meet with US Vice President Joe Biden, the US Congressional black caucus, as well as the president of the World Bank,” Jonathan’s spokesman Ima Niboro said in a statement.
“The president of the (Nigerian) senate, David Mark, has been fully apprised of the acting president?s four-day visit to the United States,” the statement said.
Source: Thisday
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