My 2013 plan, by Jonathan

Nigerians have got from the President a message of hope – that this year will be better and a pledge – to work harder. But Dr. Goodluck Jonathan made a request – the citizens should play their role in making the country great.
President Jonathan, in his New Year message, said the government would do more to improve security by further empowering the security agencies to stem terrorism and enhance the security of lives and property.
Besides, in the new year, the Federal Government will be paying more attention to flood and erosion control, rehabilitation and expansion of roads, improved power supply as well as upgrading of the national rail network.
Other areas listed for priority attention are employment generation and wealth creation.
The President also urged Nigerians to make a commitment to do more this year to support the implementation of the Federal Government’s Agenda for National Transformation.
President Jonathan noted that peace and security remain pre-requisite conditions for the full realisation of the government’s objectives.
He said: “I have already given a clear indication of the Federal Government’s agenda for 2013 in recent pronouncements. Our objective for the year is to ensure by all possible means that more of the programmes and projects envisioned by this administration, and which are already being embarked upon, are further brought on stream within the next 12 months to meet the yearnings of our people, and raise the quality of life.
“We have in the last year achieved a lot in terms of the positive transformation of vital sectors of our national life, such as public infrastructure, power supply, oil and gas, transportation, education, health and agricultural development. We will continue to work diligently in 2013 to ensure that our efforts in these areas are carried forward to full fruition in fulfillment of our promise of better public services and improved living conditions for all Nigerians.
“We will give priority attention in the coming year to flood and erosion control, the rehabilitation and expansion of existing federal roads, improved power supply, as well as the continued rehabilitation, upgrading and reactivation of the national rail network.
“Employment generation and wealth creation will also remain a primary objective of our socio-economic agenda for 2013. Creating more employment opportunities for our youth and graduates of our universities is an imperative that will continue to underpin our drive for massive economic growth, the rapid expansion of our manufacturing and industrial base, and the productive diversification of our national economy. In this regard, we will continue to provide the necessary enabling environment for the private sector to thrive.
“As peace and security remain pre-requisite conditions for the full realisation of our objectives, we will also do more in 2013 to further empower our security agencies who are working in collaborative partnerships with our friends in the international community to stem the scourge of terrorism in our country and enhance the security of lives and property in all parts of Nigeria.”
The president also assured Nigerians that the administration will nor be discouraged by it’s critics, stressing that the administration remains resolutely committed to the rule of law, due process and fair play in all circumstances.
He also noted that the administration will continue to push forward and remain focused on the task of making the nation a much better place for present and future generations.
“I also want to assure Nigerians that we will refuse to be discouraged by those who have taken it upon themselves to pick on every initiative and effort of this administration. We remain resolutely committed to the rule of law, due process and fair play in all circumstances. Our democracy continues to grow, and the scope for human freedom continues to expand. It is an achievement that we will continue to build upon.
“I say it again, we are determined to continue to push forward. We will do more, not less. We will remain focused.
“For your part, dear compatriots, I urge that you all include in your new year resolutions a commitment to do more this year to support the implementation of the Federal Government’s Agenda for National Transformation in every possible way. That is all I ask for.
“The task of making our dear nation a much better place for present and future generations cannot be left to government alone. Leaders and followers alike have critical roles to play in our march towards the fulfillment of our great national potentials.”
while wishing Nigerians a better year, the President also urged them to place national interest above all other considerations.
“Let us all, therefore, resolve as we celebrate the new year to place the higher interests of national unity, peace, stability and progress above all other considerations and work harder in our particular fields of human endeavour to contribute more significantly to the attainment of our collective aspirations,” he said.
President of the Senate David Mark also enjoined Nigerians to continue to partner with those in elected offices in order to take the country out of its grave challenges.
Mark in a New Year message to Nigerians noted that Year 2012 was very challenging “but Nigerians resolved to remain in one indivisible nation.”
Mark said: “We went through a very challenging year. But collectively we kept hope of a brighter tomorrow.
“I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
“Those in elected offices cannot bring forth this light alone.
“Government alone, without the support of the citizenry, cannot build a society where everyone is free and safe without fear of any form of violence.
“We must come together in unity to ensure a secure and progressive nation.
“I can see our nation coming out of our current trials more peacefully and strongly united.
“We must however not relent in our prayers as we continue to build a vibrant nation that will be a pride of all.”
Senator Mark in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, also reiterated the resolve of the National Assembly to continue to provide the nation with legislations that would better the lots of Nigerians.
He prayed for a joyous and prosperous New Year.