Keep faith with Jonathan, PDP begs Nigerians

ABUJA- NATIONAL leadership of the Peoples
Democratic Party, PDP yesterday pleaded with
Nigerians to keep faith with President Goodluck
Jonathan in his determination to achieve his
set goals as the nation was on a sure path to
economic prosperity, just as the party boasted
that the President has delivered on the
economy.
The PDP however hailed the President for not
allowing himself to be distracted from what it
termed his avowed commitment towards the
development of the nation and the welfare of
Nigerians, even as it said that President
Jonathan has remained resolute in meticulously
and calmly driving his Transformation Agenda,
adding, “and for this we are highly impressed.
In a statement signed yeaterday by PDP
national Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh,
he said, “The leadership of the Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP) has applauded
President Goodluck Jonathan for the
milestones so far achieved in the critical
sectors of the economy through the
Transformation Agenda of the PDP-led
administration.
Metuh who noted that the President has
vigorously pursued his economic reforms and
however expressed happiness that they have
started yielding results, said. “We are indeed
highly impressed that the reforms initiated by
the President has started yielding very high
dividends resulting in a massive leap in the
nation’s economy which has also been
acknowledged by the world community; the
latest being the Fitch Ratings which affirmed
Nigeria’s long-term foreign and local currency
IDRs as well as senior unsecured bond and
Short-term foreign currency IDR ratings
respectively at ‘BB”s.
“It is heart-warming that at a time other
economies of the world are having a downward
trend, Nigeria’s economy on the other hand is
experiencing stability and growth.”
Listing some of the factors that led to the
positive rating to include massive
developments in the power, agriculture and
road sectors as well as reforms in finance,
commerce and industry, the PDP commended
the President for “initiating the New Automobile
Industrial Policy Development which is focused
on promoting investments in affordable made-
in- Nigerian vehicles” even as it “noted the
conclusion of arrangements to kick-off
passenger service on the Eastern railway route
before the end of December.
“We are happy that the New Automobile
Industry Policy is already yielding results. Direct
foreign investments are already flowing in from
leading vehicle manufacturers including Nissan
and Stallion Group which have entered into an
agreement with the Federal Government to
establish auto plants in Nigeria.
“This policy which also promotes the
manufacturing of spare parts of vehicles used
in the country will not only generate massive
employment for our people but will guarantee
technology transfer, reduction in cost of
vehicles, increase in ancillary investment
opportunities and a boost in medium and small
scale enterprises. This, no doubt will contribute
in transforming our country into a
manufacturing hub in Africa.
“In the power sector, President Jonathan has
shown resilience in ensuring the achievement
of production targets. We note that acceleration
of works that led to the commissioning of the
Geregu Power Project in Kogi state on October
4, 2013 as well as the Omotosho 2 Power
Station in Ondo state which was commissioned
last Saturday. The party also notes the
acceleration of works in other power plants
including Calabar, 630MW; Egbema, 378MW;
Ihorvbor, 504MW; Gbarain 252MW; Sapele
504MW; Omoku 252MW; Alaoji 1076MW and
Olorunsogo 750MW.
“We commend President Goodluck Jonathan
for not allowing himself to be distracted from
his avowed commitment towards the
development of the nation and the welfare of
Nigerians. He has remained resolute in
meticulously and calmly driving his
Transformation Agenda and for this we are
highly impressed.
“The nation is on a sure path to economic
prosperity, the party urged all Nigerians to keep
faith alive and continue to support the reforms
initiated by the PDP-led administration so as to
consolidate on the gains so far achieved”.