President Jonathan In Onitsha Today, Says Second Niger Bridge Would Start Before 17th March, 2014

President Goodluck Jonathan said the 2nd Niger Bridge would commence before Governor Peter Obi leaves office on the 17th of March, 2014.

Jonathan said the gesture was in view of how passionately the Governor had pursued the project.

 He spoke yesterday when he paid a courtesy visit to the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe at his Ime Obi palace in Onitsha.

The president who said he was on the way from Unity rally by the PDP at Imo State, described Anambra State and people as very lucky to have Peter Obi as there Governor.

He said that even in an era other Governors are owing banks and raising bonds, that Governor Obi was one Governor that is not owing any financial institution in Nigeria in spite of his giant achievements in the State. He said that though he would be leaving office, but that he would still remain a member of his Economic Management Team.

The President thanked the people of the State for their support to him and   contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria.

Igwe Achebe had thanked him for his support and love for  the Government and people of Anambra State and appealed to him to extend the same love to the incoming Governor, Dr. Willie Obiano.

The Monarch also thanked him for the on going work in Zik's final resting place. His  words: "There are many more things to be grateful to your government for, but let me single out the construction of Zik’s Mausoleum, which is now nearing completion after some sixteen years of delays, dilly-dallying and cat and mouse games between successive governments at both state and federal levels. It will go down in history that it was your administration that had the determination andzeal to finally give our beloved Right Honourable, Chief Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Owelle-Osowa Onitsha, first President of Nigeria, and Zik's of Africa, a befitting resting place. Mr. President, we cannot thank you enough for this gesture. "

While pointing out to the president some specific problems in the country, including the Boko Haram insurgency, general security challenges  and corruption, he appealed to him to remain focused on his Transformation Agenda, assuring him of prayers of Anambra People and constructive advice at all  times. Commending the President for the courage to convoke a National Dialogue, he said it was an opportunity to deliberate for the good of the country and not for her dismemberment.

 Commending Governor Peter Obi for enthroning civility in governance and peace in Anambra State, the Monarch told the President that he would need the services of people of integrity and commitment as Peter Obi.  

 "I cannot resist mentioning once more our indefatigable outgoing governor, Mr. Peter Obi. Your Excellency, you know and we know that Peter Obi is your greatest supporter and pillar of strength in the entire South –East, and will count amongst the few that believe most in you in the entire country. Shall we call him you younger brother or even your son? He will now become fully availablewhen he leaves office next month and we urge you to take him close to you and deploy him effectively, particularly in the immediate period ahead. We assure that he will be an even greater asset to you now that he is free from the burdens of State governance," the Monarch concluded.

Caption for the picture

L-R  President Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR, Gov. Peter Obi, Gov. Theodore Orji and Sen. Ben Obi, during the President's visit to the Obi Of Onitsha, Alfred Achebe at his Ime Obi Palace, yesterday

. PHOTOS ODOGWU EMEKA ODOGWU