Goodluck Jonathan praises Rawlings and says Yar’adua is still President

Acting Nigerian President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan on Saturday said President Umaru Yar’Adua is still the President of Nigeria. He also praised former President Rawlings for the significant roles he is playing in enhancing leadership on the continent and commiserated with him on the loss of his residence through fire.
“There are clear constitutional provisions in place and as you are aware I am acting on behalf of the President,” Dr. Jonathan said.
The Acting Nigerian leader was speaking during a courtesy call on him by lead delegates at the ongoing United Cities for Local Government in Africa (UCLGA) Congress led by Guest of Honour, former President Rawlings.
The former President had early on shared his sympathies on the health situation of President Yar’Adua and called on the Nigerian political leadership to ensure that the situation with the presidency is managed with care.
“I know there is a lot of political discussion going on and I am sure Nigeria will handle the situation well,’ he told Dr Jonathan.
The Acting President assured Rawlings that the situation was under control.

The meeting that was held in a very relaxed and cordial atmosphere and attended by Nigerian Minister for Interior and Local Government, saw former President Rawlings telling the acting Nigerian President to do everything in his power to clear the terrible image shown on international TV recently of a defenceless Nigerian cripple being shot to death.
The Acting Nigerian President replied that the report had been published out of context and created an impression that the cripple had been murdered during the recent Muslim-Christian clashes in Nigeria. The incident happened well before the religious clashes and was committed by a member of the Boko Haram Islamist fundamentalist sect, the Nigerian leader recounted.
Acting President Jonathan also noted that security agencies were investigating the matter and had already made some arrests.

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