Jonathan Goodluck

New York [RR] ABUJA–President Goodluck Jonathan has assured the Igbo that they will regain “political relevance‘‘ under the Peoples Democratic Party-led government in 2011.

He gave the assurance during the 16th annual convention of the World Igbo Congress which ended on Sunday in Philadelphia, United States,

Jonathan, whose speech was delivered by the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, said, “The Igbo Diaspora community have the capacity to become a change agent, especially in the politics of their home states.

“Rather than bemoan the loss of political status of the Igbo in Nigerian politics, the Igbo in the Diaspora must stand up and join the Igbo political leadership at home to fully realise their potential to achieve commensurate and fair representation, including political appointments.

“The time to do this is now and no platform is better suited for the regaining of lost political relevance than the PDP under my leadership.‘‘

The President called on the Igbo to “join hands with the South-South and other zones to support the economic and political programmes of the PDP government.”

He said the WIC, as an equal political stakeholder, must continue to use its platform to further the “cause of nation-building in an environment of acceptance of one another.’’

Jonathan used the occasion of his address to reassure Nigerians abroad that all necessary legislation would be put in place to ensure that they voted in all elections after those of 2011.

“Let me assure you that the Federal Government will put all machineries in motion to ensure that Nigerians in the Diaspora can vote during the elections that will follow the 2011 general elections.”

The President added that the Federal Government was also committed to its earlier promises that more distinguished Nigerians in the Diaspora would “be considered subsequently for inclusion in the National Honours’ list.‘‘

He explained that government’s reform in the energy and power sub-sector would revitalise the nation’s comatose industry and reduce the cost of doing business.

He also announced that the Independent Power Plant, including the one in Aba, would soon be inaugurated to generate the much needed electricity to fuel small and medium enterprises for which the South–East is famous.

Jonathan said, “The first phase of the reform in the Oil and Gas sector has resulted in a steady supply and stable price of pump price of petroleum products nationwide.

“Completing the dredging of River Niger, as well as constructing a second Niger Bridge, are top priorities of my administration.’’

He added that the government was addressing the high incidence of crimes and militant activities which had undermined security of lives and property in the South-South and South-East.

“Gradually and steadily, business and industry have started to return to normalcy in these areas,’’ the President said.

The theme of the 2010 WIC was Nke iru ka, which means “what lies ahead is greater’’ or “the future is bright.’’

A major feature at the convention was a discussion on next year’s election and the strong presence of some notable Igbo supporters of Jonathan.

Meanwhile, Senators and members of the House of Representatives from the South-East have protested plans by the Federal Ministry of Works to award the contract for the construction of a second Niger Bridge to Gitto Nigeria Limited again.

The lawmakers, in a protest letter to Jonathan, recalled that the Federal Executive Council had in June revoked the contract, earlier awarded to the same company.

The administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo had awarded the controversial contract to Gitto in the sum of N58.6bn in 2007.

Obasanjo had kicked-off the project in the twilight of his administration in May 2007 under a Public Private Partnership arrangement.

While Gitto was to shoulder 60 per cent of the cost, the government was to bankroll 20 per cent. The governments of Anambra and Delta States were to provide the remaining 20 per cent by contributing 10 per cent each.

However, the lawmakers, in the letter, dated August 31, 2010, recalled that they had caused the termination of the contract because of the company’s apparent lack of capacity to handle the project.

A copy of the letter obtained on Sunday by our correspondent reads, “Worried by the failure of Gitto Nigeria Limited to execute the project, we successfully sponsored motions in both chambers of the National Assembly, calling on the Federal Government to terminate the contract awarded and takeover the responsibility of the project.

“The Executive Council of the Federation under the leadership of Your Excellency graciously terminated the contract awarded to Gitto Nigeria Limited on June 16, 2010, and directed the Ministry of Works to ‘engage a reputable consultant and commence a new procurement process for an award of contract for the project.”’

The lawmakers said that while the decision to terminate the contract and re-award it was celebrated in the zone, they were “shocked” over plans by the ministry to re-award the contract to Gitto.”

The letter was signed on behalf of the lawmakers by Senator Ikechukwu Obiorah, and the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions, Mr. Cyril Maduabum.

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REPUBLICREPORT…standing between civilization and anarchy…