EU, Merkel congratulate PresidentPRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday marked the first anniversary of his swearing in following the death of his predecessor, Alhaji Umaru Musa YarAdua, thanking Nigerians for their immense contributions to the stability and progress of the nation in the past one year.The President said in a statement by his spokesman, Ima Niboro, that as he looked ahead to his inauguration for a fresh term of office on May, 29, 2011, noting that a new chapter of renewal and transformation has been opened in Nigerias national life with the peaceful, free and fair conduct of the 2011 general elections.According to Niboro, the President urges all Nigerians to join hands with his Administration and dedicate themselves to ensuring the countrys continued march into a new season of peace, harmony and socio-economic development. He assures all of his unwavering commitment to building on the achievements of the past one year by working assiduously to rapidly bring to fruition ongoing efforts to effectively tackle the countrys most critical developmental challenges.President Jonathan also reaffirms that only the interests of Nigeria and the Nigerian people will inform decisions and plans for the future. The President specifically restates his determination to ensure that Nigeria successfully overcomes the challenges of inadequate power supply, national security and employment opportunities for the countrys youthful population.He also assures all Nigerians that rapid and significant improvement in public infrastructure, especially roads, transportation, educational facilities, healthcare, water supply and the development of our agricultural sector will continue to receive the fullest attention of his administration.President Jonathan seizes the opportunity of the occasion to pay well-deserved tribute to his predecessor, noting that late President Umaru Musa YarAdua was one of the nations greatest leaders and a visionary statesman, whose commitment to the enthronement of the ideals of patriotism and good governance, as well as the sustenance of growth and progress remain indelible.Jonathan added: The President appreciates the dedication and commitment displayed by Nigerians during the period of transition as they rose as one, in a great demonstration of our common faith in the future of our country, to provide the new Administration support, which enabled it to chart a steady course for the country. He extols the indefatigable Nigerian spirit which took advantage of adversity to define a way forward for the country.The President salutes the contributions which all sections of our national life made towards the success of the 2011 general elections and believes that the resounding commendations for what most Nigerians and the international community acclaim as one of the best elections ever conducted in the country rightly belongs to the Nigerian people.Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) and the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, yesterday congratulated Jonathan on his emergence as the winner of the last presidential election.In a statement issued yesterday by the EU High Representative and Vice President Catherine Ashton in Brussels, which was made available to The Guardian in Abuja, the group said: The European Union congratulates President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the governors and legislators on their election and wishes them well in ensuring an inclusive agenda based on accountability to the electorate, delivery of improved governance and the pursuit of economic and social development of the nation. The EU looks forward to working closely with the new government and legislature and to continue partnering Nigeria in support of good governance, democracy and social and economic growth.In a message made available to The Guardian by the German Embassy in Abuja yesterday, the German leader urged her Nigerian counterpart to address challenges facing democracy and consolidate on its principles as well as the rule of law.She assured that Germany in future, too, would actively support President Jonathan in taking forward his reform agenda. Also, United States (U.S.) President Barack Obama has sent his congratulatory message to his Nigerian counterpart over his victory at the April elections and pledged support for his government.The American leader commended the people of Nigeria for their resolve and patience during last months historic presidential, legislative and gubernatorial elections and said the success of the elections was a testament to Nigerian voters who waited in long lines, stayed to watch their votes counted and were determined that these elections mark a new chapter in Nigerian history.Also, he said credit belonged to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the National Youth Service Corps, and Nigerias vibrant civil society, all of which must play a role in ensuring that the final results reflect the will of the Nigerian people and that Nigerian authorities investigate and address any allegations of fraud or irregularities.He said while the majority of Nigerians cast their ballots free from intimidation and coercion, the post-election violence that followed the presidential election on April 16 was deplorable.Apparently miffed by the fact that not one person has been prosecuted from the list of arrests made after Nigerias post-presidential election violence in parts of the country, the EU has again called on the Federal Government to act in such a manner that would deter future perpetrators and discourage this brand of political impunity.The European block enjoined the Nigerian authorities to take the necessary action to protect the rights of all citizens affected and to bring to justice the perpetrators of violence.The EUs statement is coming barely two days after its head of delegation in Nigeria, Amb. David McRae, expressed fears at a media luncheon, over the possibility of Nigerian youth corps members taking up national duties such as elections conduct in the future on account of the killing of several of them in the northern part of Nigeria.He said the EU observation mission headed by Mr. Alojz Peterle would remain in the field until the end of the process and would publish its final findings and recommendations in several weeks time.But the EU noted that while congratulating Nigeria for holding the successful elections, and for their determination to participate in the democratic life of their country it would continue to condemn the attendant violence.The EU condemned all acts of violence surrounding the elections and the ensuing loss of lives and displacement of people.It called on all stakeholders in the elections to respect democratic processes and to pursue any grievances peacefully and within the rule of law.
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