Jonathan at 2nd Niger bridge

…Promises to complete project in 40 months
Reconciles Gov. Obiano, Obi
FROM EMMANUEL UZOR, Onitsha, GEOFFERY ANYANWU,
AWKA
President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday paid an unscheduled
visit to the site of the second Niger bridge project at the
Onitsha-Asaba axis as part of activities marking his official
presidential campaign tour to Anambra state.
Speaking when he paid a courtesy call on the Obi of Onitsha,
Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, at the Ime-Obi palace,
President Jonathan said his visit to the site of the second
Niger bridge was to ascertain the true position of work at the
multi-billion naira project which he said is very critical to his
administration.
“I decided that I must visit the site of the second Niger Bridge
to know the level of work there because some people have
been saying all sorts of things, so I said I must visit the site
before coming to pay courtesy call on His Majesty. Work is in
progress on the project,” Jonathan assured.
President Jonathan further disclosed that the federal gov­
ernment had released N10 billion for the project out of which
over N1.5b was used to pay damages as part of efforts to ac­
celerate work on the project.
His words: “We have released N10 billon for the project out of
which N1.5 billion was used to pay damages. I also
discovered that work is really in progress as the access road
that will lead to the bridge that is about 3km has been graded
just to make sure that there is access to the site and I spoke
with the management of Julius Berger and they assured me
that the project will be completed within 40 months.”
On his visit to Anambra, President Jonathan who was ac­
companied by his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan and Vice
President, Arch. Namadi Sambo said he came to seek the
support of Ndi Anambra and people of the South East in
general ahead of next month’s general elections.
He expressed optimism that his presidential aspiration would
get the support of the people of the zone, adding, “I get a very
big support from the South East and that is why I decided to
pay a courtesy call on you, Your Majesty, to tell you that your
son, Azikiwe Jonathan is contesting for the presidential
election.”
However, a mild drama played out when the Obi of Onitsha,
Igwe Alfred Achebe invited the Governor of Anambra State,
Chief Willie Obiano and his predecessor, Chief Peter Obi and
urged President Jonathan to reconcile them as the duo
started having some issues shortly after Obiano took over as
the governor.
In his remarks Governor Obiano said the entire Anambra state
irrespective of political affiliations have decided to support
President Jonathan for a second term in office, adding that the
state under his administration has witnessed great re-birth
and shall support the President.
“Mr. President, I want to assure you that Anambra people will
give you support and vote for you 100 per cent. You don’t
need to campaign in Anambra as Ndi Anambra have made up
their mind to vote for you. We have given the people hope and
I am happy to let you know that security is no longer the prob­
lem of Anambra state; feel free any day to visit because it is
also your home,” Obiano said.
In his response, Igwe Achebe thanked President Jonathan for
his vision and transformation that has been witnessed since
he assumed office and reminded him that though the entire
people of the state are behind him, there should be a level
playing field for all political parties participating in the coming
general election.
He further invited the former Governor of the state, Chief Peter
Obi and his successor, Chief Willie Obiano before the entire
presidential entourage and traditional rulers from all the
communities of the state and reconciled them by calling on
President Jonathan to serve as the bridge between the duo.