Jonathan unfolds agenda for new era .

Guardian

17 May 2011

Jonathan unfolds agenda for new era .

THE picture and direction of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration in the next four years, after his swearing-in on May 29, 2011 in the wake of his electoral triumph, is emerging.

The President yesterday gave hints of what he would do in some sectors. For example, Jonathan said his Administration would pay special attention to the strengthening of economic relations with the international community in the next four years.

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According to the President, “in the next four years, we will pay special attention to the improvement and strengthening of economic ties with our partners in the international community, as a foundation for stability and growth of our country.”

He told Mr. Obika of Trinidad and Tobago that Nigeria was interested in co-operation in the oil and gas sector, while he welcomed the proposal for energy co-operation by Mr. Aguilar of Spain.

Also on another occasion yesterday, the President directed that Nigeria’s foreign policy be reviewed to “reflect current realities.”

Jonathan gave the directive during a breakfast meeting with the Presidential Advisory Council on International Relations at Aso Rock Villa Abuja, saying that “after 50 years of independence, it is time to review the country’s foreign policy in line with modern realities and international developments.”

The President agreed with Chief  Emeka Anyaoku, Chairman of the Advisory Council, that the “highly successful, transparent and credible elections conducted by Nigeria had elevated the country’s democratic credentials in the international community,” adding that he would ensure even better polls in 2015.

President Jonathan noted that “from 2007, we committed ourselves to credible elections by setting up the Muhammadu Uwais Committee. And this is the result of those efforts.”

The President expressed appreciation to members of the Presidential Advisory Council on International Relations for their consistent credible advice.

Earlier, Anyaoku had congratulated the President for his success in the elections, and for delivering on his ‘promise to conduct credible elections’.

The Council offered suggestions on several areas of national and international interest to Nigeria.

And to meet the country’s needs and challenges, President Goodluck Jonathan has assured of an improved budgetary allocation to the education sector...