Jonathan Turns Star Attraction In USA
April 14, 2010 16:58 (4 hours ago), 839 views

The Acting President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has been receiving star attraction in the US during his first official visit outside Nigeria since he assumed power.

Everywhere he goes he is accorded red carpet treatment on account of the reforms he is trying to engender in Nigeria.

Jonathan’s decision to replace Yar’Adua’s cabinet with his own was received by Nigerians in America as bold and commendable which has made his popularity to soar. His decision has made his approval ratings shoot up by 80 percent.

Some of the problems staring Nigeria in the face came in focus during Jonathan’s meeting with American President Barack Obama on Sunday and Monday.

To arrest the drift Nigeria has experienced because of the absence of the ailing President Umaru Yar’Adua from office since 23 November, 2009, the US has called on Nigeria to ensure credible elections are conducted in January, 2011, engage in a more constructive fight against corruption and ensure power and electoral reforms.

The US government advised Jonathan to scout for a new head for the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, at the expiration of Prof. Maurice Iwu’s tenure in June.

The Acting President promised to ensure thorough changes in INEC before the 2011 elections, by not only replacing the chairman, so that the elections will be acceptable to the generality of the people.

Similary, the US authorities also expressed concern about the situation in the Niger Delta region where about 40 percent oil exploration and 75 percent of Nigeria’s income comes from. They also expressed concern about the cotinued success of the amnesty programme of Yar’Adua.

Jonathan, however, allayed their fears, saying that the militants’ amnesty arrangement was on course.

He assured that his government will follow up on the amnesty programme and make it a top priority.
http://thepmnews.com/2010/04/14/jonathan-turns-star-attraction-in-usa