Jonathan pledges N500bn to boost economy of S-East

Posted by admin Latest Politics, South-East Friday, February 11th, 2011

PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, promised that the Federal Government would continue to provide infrastructures that would boost the economy of the South East geopolitical zone and improve the living condition of her people whom he described as the most enterprising in the country.

He declared the commitment of the government to tackle the problem of ransom kidnapping which he noted has seriously impeded economic activities in the zone, adding that the government would not tolerate any threat to peaceful coexistence of Nigerians anywhere in the country.

“One thing we will continue to promise you is unity of this country, equity and justice, transparent and good governance so that all Nigerians irrespective of the language you speak, irrespective of the part of Nigeria you come from, irrespective of your place of worship, you will have equal opportunity and you

will not be discriminated against, wherever you are and wherever you want to do business,” he said.

The president who addressed a mammoth crowd of supporters drawn from the five South East States of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo during the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP rally to flag off campaign for the April general elections, also outlined a number of projects which his government had initiated to improve economic activities in the zone and the wellbeing of Ndigbo.

These, he said, included the release of N500 billion to enable people get loan through the Bank of Industry for which N200 billion has already been accessed by Nigerian businessmen and women, explaining that the intervention was to eliminate the problems hitherto experienced by Nigerians in obtaining credit facilities from commercial banks.

He said that for the business to thrive there was need for steady power supply which informed the decision of the government to commit resources to power generation, adding that this was why the government has decided to restore the old Coal Power Plant in Enugu.

“Already the contract for the survey has been done and we have awarded the contract and I believe that in three months or so the result will come out. So all those who need power to do their businesses will have enough,” he said.

To further boost economic activities in the zone, the president said that the government had to approve the upgrading of the Enugu Airport to and International Airport “so that the people of the zone will no longer go to Lagos before doing their business”, adding that arrangement had been concluded for the construction of the second Niger Bridge before the end of next year.

On the problem of gully erosion ravaging some communities in the South East, Jonathan said he had held several meetings with governors of the zone with a view to finding lasting solution to the problem, disclosing that about 15 contracts had so far been awarded at a cost of about N11.5 billion as part of efforts to check the menace.

On the entertainment industry, the president commended the invaluable roles being played by the people of South East in Nollywood and home movies industry saying 80 percent of Nigerian actors, actresses, producers and marketers are from the zone. He assured that the federal government would soon provide a lifeline to enable the people in that sector have access to funds to develop the industry.

“In our entertainment industry, if you look at the actors in the Nollywood almost 80 percent are from the South East including actors and actresses, producers and directors. Home video is one of our major industries. If you go outside the country people appreciate our actors and actresses. That is why the government is committed to help that industry by making money available for people in that sector who have the entrepreneurial skill have access to funds,” the president said.

Jonathan who was accompanied by his wife, Dame Patience, Vice President Namadi Sambo and leaders of PDP, however, thanked Ndigbo for their support to his government and his re-election bid, assuring that he would continue to ensure that the interest of the zone was protected.

While welcoming the president and his entourage to the rally held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State said the people of the South East were strongly committed towards the return of the president. He said that the president was in Enugu to confer with his people and not to campaign as the massive turn out was an indication that he enjoys tremendous support of Ndigbo. Also speaking, Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State informed the president of his adoption by the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA for the presidency, saying the party would not contest the presidential election as the leadership has resolved to support a man who would ensure that Ndigbo have a sense of belonging in the country. He urged all Igbos to support Jonathan in the forthcoming election.

Highlight of the rally was the presentation of flags to the four South East PDP governors by the Acting National Chairman, Dr. Haliru Bello with a charge to them to lead the campaigns of the party in their respective states to ensure victory of their candidates in the April elections.

Also present at the rally were Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu who led members of the National Assembly from the zone, former Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Chief Tony Anenih, Dr. Ahmadu Ali, Chief Vincent Ogbulafor, Chief Ken Nnamani, Chief Olisa Metuh, PDP Vice Chairma, South East zone, among other chieftains of the party from the zone.

-Vanguardwp_posts