SAN FRANCISCO, August 28, (THEWILL) – The Presidency has described as false reports linking President Goodluck Jonathan’s sacking of the Minister of Youth Development, Alhaji Inuwa Abdulkadir, to the Minister’s inability to ensure that a pro-Jonathan candidate emerged President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN).
The Presidency in a statement by Reuben Abati, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, said, “While many media outlets erroneously attributed the Minister’s sacking to his disloyalty or closeness to a particular governor or governors said to be opposed to the President, the most disingenuous and malicious speculation was by a national newspaper which claimed that Alhaji Abdulkadir was fired for “failing to ensure that a Pro-Jonathan candidate emerged as president of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN)”.
The full text of the statement reads, “We have noted with regret the several false speculations in the media yesterday on the reason for the termination of the appointment of the former Minister of Youth Development, Alhaji Inuwa Abdulkadir by President Goodluck Jonathan.
While many media outlets erroneously attributed the Minister’s sacking to his disloyalty or closeness to a particular governor or governors said to be opposed to the President, the most disingenuous and malicious speculation was by a national newspaper which claimed that Alhaji Abdulkadir was fired for “failing to ensure that a Pro-Jonathan candidate emerged as president of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN)”.
We wish to assure the general public that nothing could be further from the truth. President Jonathan regards all Nigerian youth as his wards and constituents. Claims that he had a preferred candidate in the NYCN elections are completely baseless and without justification as there was absolutely no reason for him to prefer one candidate over others.
President Jonathan remains sincerely and unwaveringly committed to doing all within his powers to promote the credibility and integrity of the electoral process at all levels in the country.
He firmly believes that a culture of free, fair and credible election must be constantly nurtured and encouraged amongst Nigerian youth and all other sections of the country.
In point of fact, it was Alhaji Abdulkadir’s regrettable deviation from this presidential commitment in the management of the NYCN elections that led to the decision to relieve him of his appointment as Minister of Youth Development.
President Jonathan was very displeased with the mishandling of the NYCN elections in Makurdi and Minna by the Ministry of Youth Development which resulted in the unfortunate fractionalization of the youth council.
The President found the Ministry’s failure to provide appropriate leadership towards open and transparent youth council elections unacceptable.
President Jonathan is sincerely committed to doing everything possible to ensure that the Nigerian youth, on whom the country’s aspirations for a bright and prosperous future depend, are given the best possible upbringing and orientation.
The President therefore expects all officials of his administration to exhibit greater rectitude and sensitivity on issues related to youth development, and comport themselves at all times in a manner worthy of emulation by Nigerian youth.”
Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan in a second statement by Reuben Abati has paid glowing tribute to Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State who attained the age of 70 years yesterday, describing the retired Naval Admiral’s life as one of immense professional and political accomplishments.
In a congratulatory letter to the Governor Nyako, President Jonathan said that he joined the people of Adamawa and other well-wishers across the country in rejoicing with him as he attained the landmark age, and in praying that God Almighty will grant him many more years of exemplary service to his state and country.
“I write on behalf of my family, the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to rejoice with you as you mark your milestone 70thbirthday anniversary.
“In a life that has seen you reach the apex of your professional career as Chief of Naval Staff and Deputy Chief of Defence Staff; acclaimed as one of our nation’s most accomplished successful farmers; and, since 2007, a consummate political leader and Governor of Adamawa State, there is great cause for you, members of your family, the people of Adamawa State, and your well wishers to thank Almighty Allah for His benevolence upon you.
“It is my prayer that He continues to bless you with robust health and many more years of happiness and fulfilling service,” the President wrote.
He wished Admiral Nyako very happy 70th birthday celebrations, the statement added.
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