The President who made the remarks during a church service in Abuja said the privatisation of the power sector has been concluded with the handing over of generation and distribution plants to the private sector adding that an improvement in the overall power supply will set the stage for more investment into the Nigerian economy.
He called on politicians not to relent in playing politics but to play it according to the rule by putting Nigeria ahead of personal interest.
In his New Year message, Jonathan advised Nigerians to give thanks to God Almighty for guiding the nation safely through all the challenges of the out-gone year to the beginning of 2014.
He said that the amalgamation of the country exactly 100 years ago was not a mistake but a blessing. He also stated that the centenary of the country’s nationhood was a moment for sober reflection.
He said the Federal Government will commence the celebration in Mid February, adding that programmes for the event will soon be publicised for Nigerians to see where they can key into the programme.
He promised to“diligently carry on a purposeful and focused implementation of his agenda for national transformation in priority areas such as power, the rehabilitation and expansion of national infrastructure, agricultural development, education and employment generation”.
He called on Nigerians to place higher national interest, unity, peace, stability and progress above all other considerations and work harder in their various fields to contribute more significantly to the attainment of the country’s collective aspirations.
“For us therefore, today is not just the beginning of a new year, but the end of a century of national existence and the beginning of another. It is a moment for sober reflection and for pride in all that is great about Nigeria.
. “Whatever storms we might have confronted and survived, Nigeria remains a truly blessed country, a country of gifted men and women who continue to distinguish themselves in all spheres of life saying that the country’s strength is in its diversity.
“We pay tribute today, as always to our founding fathers and mothers, and all the heroes and heroines whose toil and sweat over the century made this country what it is today… As I noted, a few days ago, the amalgamation of 1914 was certainly not a mistake but a blessing. As we celebrate 100 years of nationhood, we must resolve to continue to work together as one, united people, to make our country even greater,” he says.
that’s a good one!