4th January, 2011
President Jonathan has promised to produce a 4-year development plan that will unveil a comprehensive development strategy to move the country forward while restating his commitment to work with state governors and relevant agencies to actualise the goal.
President Jonathan stated this on Tuesday January 4, at the Warri Township Staduim, where he attended the campaign rally of the PDP flag bearer, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, ahead of Thursday January 6 re-run elections in the state.
President Jonathan averred that the annual development plan does not allow for continuity and such promised to produce a 4-year development blueprint for the development plan of the country if returned as President for the next four years.
‘’We believe that that we need a four year development blueprint that will unveil the various programmes for each of the sector, I will work with the governors, and other stakeholders to ensure success, if returned as President, I will submit a 4-year development blueprint before my swearing-in’’, he stated.
President Jonathan reaffirmed his support for Chief Uduaghan stating that he was at the rally to reassure the former governor and the people of Delta state of his commitment to work with them.
‘’ I am here to reassure you that we from the centre will continue to work with Uduaghan because he has developed the state and we need him and want to work with him, there is no time for beginners, we need people who know where there are going’’, the President said.
President Jonathan had earlier on arrival paid a courtesy visit to the Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse 11 in his Palace and said he was there to seek the monarch’s royal blessing for the campaign and the entire election process and assured the monarch that he was ready to work with the governors to develop the state and the nation at large.
In his welcome address, the Olu of Warri thanked the President for the visit and assured him of the solid support of the Itsekiri Kingdom for his administration and aspiration for re-election.
’’As you have shown friendship and love to Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, our prayer is that you will also receive help and tumultuous support when your time comes this year 2011’’, he prayed.
The rally witnessed an unprecedented crowd who thronged the stadium early in the day to await the arrival of the President, the stadium turned into frenzy as soon as the President entered into the main bowl of the Stadium; he went round with his entourage waving to the mammoth crowd.
Those who accompanied the President include; Vice- President Namadi Sambo, PDP Chairman, Dr Okwesilie Nwodo, DG Jonathan- Sambo Campaign Organisation, Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu, Liyel Imoke of Cross River ,Timi Sylva of Bayelsa and Delta State Acting Governor, Prince Sam Obi and a host of PDP party chieftains, Hon Ministers and top government officials.