Nigeria's Acting President praises Rawlings

Abuja, March 8, GNA - Nigerian Acting President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan at the weekend re-affirmed the position of ailing President Umaru Yar'Adua, saying "He is still the President of this country." He made the statement when delegates of the ongoing United Cities for Local Government in Africa (UCLGA) Congress led by, Ghana's former President Jerry John Rawlings called on him in Abuja.

He said "There are clear constitutional provisions in place and as you are aware, I am acting on behalf of the President". Vice President Jonathan praised former President Rawlings for the significant roles he was playing in enhancing leadership on the African Continent and commiserated with him on the recent loss of his residence through fire.

Former President Rawlings who was Guest of Honour at the Congress, had earlier expressed his sympathies on the health situation of President Yar'Adua and called on the Nigerian political leadership to ensure that the situation with the presidency was managed "with care".

"I know there is a lot of political discussion going on and I am sure Nigeria will handle the situation well,' he said. Vice President Jonathan assured former President Rawlings that the situation was under control.

The meeting, held in a cordial atmosphere and attended by Nigerian Minister for Interior and Local Government, saw former President Rawlings telling the acting Nigerian President to do everything in his power to clear the terrible image shown on international TV recently of a defenceless Nigerian cripple being shot to death.

Acting President Jonathan said that the report had been published out of context, creating the wrong impression that the cripple had been murdered during the recent Muslim-Christian clashes in Nigeria. He explained that the incident happened well before the religious clashes and was committed by a member of the Boko Haram Islamist fundamentalist sect.

The Acting President added that the Nigerian security agencies were investigating the matter and had already made some arrests. He congratulated Ghana on the occasion of her 53rd Independence anniversary and thanked former President Rawlings for finding time to grace the UCLGA Congress.

He said he was happy that UCLGA was working hard to consolidate local governance on the continent, as governance at the grassroots level was the best way of ensuring national development. Earlier, former President Rawlings delivered a thought provoking address on unity, emphasising that until the sanctity of justice is restored in Africa's political fabric, unity would continue to remain a mirage. He enjoined all Africans to be courageous and to speak out against injustices in society.