Jonathan to govs, others: We must deliver on our promises

Posted by admin Governors, Latest Politics Friday, May 20th, 2011

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said it was mandatory for all elected officers in the 2011 elections to deliver the dividends of democracy to the electorate, as failure to do so would amount to reneging on electoral promises to the people.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon would during his three-day working visit to Nigeria beginning on Sunday address political office holders in the country with emphasis on political and economic future of the country.
President Jonathan in his remark at the opening session of the First Induction/Symposium of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), for newly elected and re-elected governors, at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said: “The outstanding success of the 2011 elections and the wide local and international acclaim which the exercise has received imposes a huge burden of responsibility on all of us who have received the mandate of the people.

“Nigerians have unequivocally demonstrated their commitment to the sustenance of democracy. It is, therefore, our collective duty as elected representatives of the people to work, not only to entrench, deepen, and strengthen the structures and institutions of democratic governance in the country; but to also enhance the welfare and well-being of the people; promote growth and development; and inspire the people’s confidence in the political leadership.”

He stressed that the desired changes in the nation could only be realized; “through transparent, accountable, purpose-driven, people-centred and God fearing leadership.” Going further, Jonathan said the times “call for renewed resolve and renewed courage as we face up to the sundry developmental and economic challenges confronting our nation.” He said further, “the times also call for a recommitment to the ideas of democratic governance especially with respect to strict adherence to the principles of the rule of law, separation of powers, and cooperation between the three arms of government, as well as between the federal, state and local governments.”

Jonathan, therefore, challenged the governors’ forum to as a matter of necessity, “provide the platform for the generation of practical ideas and strategies for effective partnership between the state and local governments to mitigate some of the identified challenges of governance at the grassroots level.”

While congratulating the elected governors for winning elections at the April polls, the President said: “As political leaders, we must be in the forefront of preaching peace and harmony, not violence. As chief law officers, we have the obligation of ensuring the security of lives and property of the citizens of this country. On my part, I want to assure you of the Federal Government’s preparedness to avail you all the requisite support at all times. I have consistently reiterated that the culture of impunity will no longer be tolerated in any part of our country. For me, this is an article of faith. We cannot allow unpatriotic elements to distract us from the task of diligently facing up to Nigeria’s developmental challenges.”

This is as the World Bank and the United Kingdom (UK) Department of Foreign and International Development (DFID) challenged the governors to do away with elitists’ projects that benefit few and direct their energies toward improving the lives of the ordinary Nigerian.
The World Bank Country Representative, Onno Ruhl, urged the elected leaders to focus their attention on people oriented projects that will capture the needs of the common man.
Rhul, while applauding the passage of the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) Bill into law by the National Assembly, said the establishment of the fund will ensure that resources are available for the development of the needed infrastructures in the country.

“First lesson from the country’s election is that you must capture the aspirations and the mandate allows you to move this country to the next level. Nigeria is now ready to takeoff. Since the National Assembly has passed the Sovereign Wealth Fund it means that you now have enough resources to provide the necessary infrastructures that is needed for effective development.”
Also in his remark, the Country Director of the DFID, Richard Montgomery, said the forum must focus attention on job creation, improving internally generated revenues, help businesses to flourish as well as removal of barriers that stunts business growth.

He said: “I want to pick up two issues that I feel are critical for the leadership in this room to convert to result. First is social and economic inclusion and second is public financial management that is your budget.
“We all know that Nigeria is a land of opportunity but also lace with great challenges but you all know the issue of preventable maternal deaths, over 100 million Nigerians are estimated to live below $1.25 a day, over 4.5 million young people enter the job market every year, so creating jobs for them is a top priority for Nigeria’s growth and sustainability.

“I believe one of this decisive roles of this forum must be to help business flourish, help create jobs, more internal revenue, more developments and we believe this forum has already helped states learn from each other.”
Speaking further on the new direction for the country, he said: “I have to say that as I travel around this country at times I am disheartened by expensive projects that serves few while primary health, primary education, social services which serve many, are starved of funds. I will like all of you, your excellences, to think about primary services that will serve more and more of your voters instead of the prestige projects which catch the eye but serve the few. So managing budget and your spending is an issue which I know this forum will look at.”
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the NGF and Governor of Kwara State, Bukola Saraki, said: “With the just concluded elections, Nigeria has once again demonstrated to the world what purposeful and committed leadership could be achieve.

“In any federation, the role of state governors is quite critical in delivering democratic dividends to the people. Increased complexity of public administration occasioned by rising public awareness and legitimate expectations by the people we govern mean some form of preparedness is necessary before we take on this difficult challenge. Recent experience suggests that what we term as failure of governance is not necessarily a consequence of corruption or lack of desire by political actors to perform in office. Usually, lack of critical capacity or experience is a major factor.”

The NGF induction is designed to prepare in-coming and returning governors for challenges of effective governance and nation building. All the key speakers at the event, included elder statesman, Maitama Sule, the Catholic Cleric, Matthew Kukah and former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Emeka Anyaoku, and other stakeholders all agreed that there was the need for a redirection of the nation’s new found hope in delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.wp_posts