by Isiaka Wakili & Abdulateef Aliyu,
President Goodluck Jonathan has declared that there no government could solve Nigeria’s problems within four years.
The president made this declaration, yesterday when he paid a courtesy call on the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari in continuation of his re-election campaign.
He emphasised that beyond tackling the Boko Haram insurgency, his administration was addressing other challenges in several sectors of the economy, including creating jobs through diverse means.
He said: “Beyond tackling the insurgency, we are creating road networks; we are moving faster in several sectors. There is no way within four years any government can finish the programmes of this country”.
The President’s declaration contrasted sharply with his previous remark over four years ago in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Jonathan had while interacting with Nigerians in Addis-Ababa, in February 2011, promised that if voted in for the next four years, he would ensure significant improvement in power, especially.
He had said: “Without security, there is no government. So it is not debatable, it is something we have to address and we are working towards that with vigour.
“But if I’m voted into power within the next four years, the issue of power will become a thing of the past.
“Four years is enough for anyone in power to make significant improvement and if I can’t improve on power within this period, it then means I cannot do anything even if I am there for the next four years.”
The president disclosed that the military would take delivery of additional equipment beginning this week as part of his administration’s efforts towards containing the Boko Haram insurgency.
He expressed optimism that this would enable the country to move faster in another two weeks in curtailing the insurgency.
“We have been to many states, in Abuja, Sokoko, Gombe, Kano and Niger States and the north-east states of Yobe, Borno and Adamawa where we are battling insurgency.
“And we will surely give it a halt. We are creating platform for our military and in another two weeks, we would move faster than we have been moving before”, Jonathan said.
Jonathan added: “We have intervened in several programmes especially in the area of agriculture. We are committed to moving this country forward, to create jobs for the country through diverse means.
“We are working very hard to create jobs for our youths, we are encouraging the growth of small and medium enterprises in order to improve our economy and create wealth for the people”.
Jonathan noted that he was at the emir’s palace to personally inform the royal father that he was running for his “remaining time” in office.
“Today, we are here in this state for a political rally. Your Royal Highness, we are here for a purpose. We have been here for a number of times. 2011, I was here. After that, I have been here.
“Today, we are here for the same mission that brought us in 2011. Even though you must have heard before, I’m here to personally tell you that I am running for my remaining time in office with my vice president who would continue to be my running mate”.
He introduced the gubernatorial candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Senator Simeon Ajibola to the emir, and pledged that the people of Kwara State would continue to enjoy freedom and quality of life, if they vote in the PDP candidates.
In his remarks, the emir said having observed Jonathan’s performance over the years, he was convinced that he had done well.
He prayed God to crown Jonathan’s efforts with success and called on politicians to conduct their campaigns without violence.
