Cooperate With Jonathan to Transform Nigeria – Senator Obi

The Special Adviser to the President on Inter Party Affairs, Senator (Dr) Ben Obi, has made a passionate appeal to political stakeholders in the country to join forces with President Goodluck Jonathan in building a stable and virile political system capable of  driving the current efforts towards national development.

Senator Obi who spoke in Abuja during separate meetings with the European Union (EU) Head of Delegation and Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr David Macrae and the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria Mr Chris Cooter, restated the need for all political actors to show more commitment to the stability of the country rather than engage in diversionary political bickering.

Describing the political parties as the bedrock of the country’s political stability, Senator Obi warned of the danger of allowing the country derail from the path of socio-economic growth into that of anarchy as is the case in some African countries.

He noted that though Nigeria, for the first time, witnessed uninterrupted democratic experience for   12 years, it still has a lot to learn from Canada and countries in the EU.

Senator Obi explained that his visit was motivated by the desire to fast track the development of Nigeria by building appropriate frameworks that will enhance the growth of political institutions in the country.

The Special Adviser assured the two foreign diplomats that President Goodluck Jonathan is committed to leaving a legacy of a united and socio-economic prosperous Nigeria.  , Obi disclosed that the Inter Party office has developed some programmes that will enhance the achievement of these objectives.

He assured that the nation’s political climate would not remain that way it is if the Inter Party office succeeds in executing it’s laid out programmes. He therefore solicited the cooperation of Canada and EU in achieving the set objectives.

In their responses, the diplomats assured of the readiness of their countries in   helping Nigeria develop strong political structures that will enhance cohesion, unity and national growth.

The EU ambassador expressed preparedness to assist Nigeria in achieving economic and political stability as well as social governance.

The EU, he stated has consistently encouraged efforts towards the deepening of democracy in the country through the offer of assistance that will drive a sustainable free and fair electoral process. In addition Mr Macrae disclosed that further support will be given to the country in building a credible judicial system, the transformation agenda of the federal government and the efforts in pursuit of vision 20-20-20.

The Canadian Ambassador on his part restated his country’s commitment to Nigeria’s efforts in building structures that will enhance national growth and development. He pledged to lend support to the programmes of the Special Adviser in the erection of frameworks that will promote unity and stability of the country.