2013: Jonathan pledges to empower security agencies

President Goodluck Jonathan has said that the security agencies will be further empowered in 2013 to tackle the security challenge confronting the nation, noting that it is a pre-requisite conditions for the realisation of his administration's objectives.

He gave the assurance in a New Year message to the nation, saying the security agencies will collaborate with the international community to stem the scourge of terrorism.

"As peace and security remain pre-requisite conditions for the full realisation of our objectives, we will also do more in 2013 to further empower our security agencies who are working in collaborative partnerships with our friends in the international community to stem the scourge of terrorism in our country and enhance the security of lives and property in all parts of Nigeria", he said.

The President reiterated the resolve of his administration to vigorously pursue the programmes and projects that will impact positively on the citizenry within the next 12 months.

"I have already given a clear indication of the Federal Government’s agenda for 2013 in recent pronouncements. Our objective for the year is to ensure by all possible means that more of the programmes and projects envisioned by this administration, and which are already being embarked upon are further brought on stream within the next 12 months to meet the yearnings of our people, and raise the quality of life", he stated.

According to the President, the administration recorded some laudable achievements in transforming some critical sectors, assuring that he would carry on in that direction.

His words, "We have in the last year achieved a lot in terms of the positive transformation of vital sectors of our national life such as public infrastructure, power supply, oil and gas, transportation, education, health and agricultural development.

"We will continue to work diligently in 2013 to ensure that our efforts in these areas are carried forward to full fruition in fulfilment of our promise of better public services and improved living conditions for all Nigerians.

"We will give priority attention in the coming year to flood and erosion control, the rehabilitation and expansion of existing federal roads, improved power supply, as well as the continued rehabilitation, upgrading and reactivation of the national rail network".

President Jonathan also assured that employment generation would receive a boost in the new year by providing enabling environment for the private sector to thrive.

"Employment generation and wealth creation will also remain a primary objective of our socio-economic agenda for 2013. Creating more employment opportunities for our youth and graduates of our universities is an imperative that will continue to underpin our drive for massive economic growth, the rapid expansion of our manufacturing and industrial base, and the productive diversification of our national economy.

"In this regard, we will continue to provide the necessary enabling environment for the private sector to thrive", he said.

The President also had words for members of the opposition who have virtually made it a point of duty to criticise every programme of his administration, saying "I also want to assure Nigerians that we will refuse to be discouraged by those who have taken it upon themselves to pick on every initiative and effort of this administration.

"We remain resolutely committed to the rule of law, due process and fair play in all circumstances. Our democracy continues to grow, and the scope for human freedom continues to expand. It is an achievement that we will continue to build upon.

"I say it again, we are determined to continue to push forward. We will do more, not less. We will remain focused".

On the part of the citizenry, President Jonathan urged "all to include in your new year resolutions a commitment to do more this year to support the implementation of the Federal Government’s Agenda for National Transformation in every possible way. That is all I ask for.

"Let us all therefore resolve as we celebrate the new year to place the higher interests of national unity, peace, stability and progress above all other considerations and work harder in our particular fields of human endeavour to contribute more significantly to the attainment of our collective aspirations".