President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday assured Nigerians that the Federal Government would focus more on infrastructural development, maintenance of peace and security in the country.
He gave this assurance when he paid a courtesy call on the Oba of Lagos, His Royal Highness, Oba Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu I, before proceeding to the scheduled South-West zonal rally of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held at the Tafawa Belewa Square, yesterday.
“I Thank you for the warm reception you always give to me each time I had been here, I can’t even remember how many times.
“We thank you for the service you have been rendering right from when you were in service as a police officer, and now as the Oba of Lagos.
“We must make sure that we don’t have anything that will affect the economy of Lagos.
“We assure you that we will continue to do our best in infrastructure development of the country and maintenance of peace and security in the country,” the President said.
He explained to the Oba that he was in the State for the PDP South-West unity rally meant to bring together the members of the party together, adding that he will still come for campaign in future.
“We are here for unity rally, we are not here for campaign but we will still come. We are here to bring the members of the party in the South-West together.
“First, before we go, we came to tell you that we are in your domain and kingdom . We need your royal prayers and blessings because you (traditional rulers) are the owners of the land,” he said.
While responding, Oba of Lagos, Oba Akiolu who noted that leadership is given to anybody by the Almighty God, prayed that God will be with President Jonathan and protect him to realise his vision for the country.
He appealed for free and credible election in Lagos and Nigeria in general come 2015 just as he added that God knows what is best for the country.
The Oba who expressed his special love for President Jonathan said, “I have special love for Mr. President. Leadership is bestowed on any person by the Almighty God. God put you in that position.
“God will be with you, God will not abandon you.
He noted that despite the current security challenges, “God will bring it to an end” advising however that there should be special policies for handling security issues.
Oba Akiolu who further assure the President that God would assist him and appealed to him to continue doing whatever he need to do for Lagos state, not minding politics.
He was accompanied to the palace at about11. 39 am by Vice President, Namadi Sambo, top government officials and PDP stalwarts including: PDP National Chairman, Adamu Mu’azu; PDP Deputy National Chairman; Uche Secondus; Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha; Former Sokoto State Governor, Attahiru Bafarawa; PDP chieftain and member Board of Trustee, Chief Borde George; the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Mrs Roli George; Chief of Staff to the President, Gen. Jone Arogbofa; Special Adviser to the President on Interparty Affairs, Sen. Ben Obi, Group Managing Director, Energy Group, Jimoh Ibrahim; ministers and senators, among others.
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