Date Published: 05/08/10

Press Statement from the Minister of Information and Communications

PRESS STATEMENT

The Federal Government is encouraged by the continuing outpour of emotions, condolences and kind words from World Leaders, Nigerians at home and abroad in honour of our departed President Umar Musa Yar’Adua.

The solidarity of Nigerians at this moment of trial is an attestation that our people appreciate the contribution of our departed leader to the growth and development of the nation. 

Federal Government indeed finds great strength and inspiration from the kind words, solidarity of all Nigerians at home and abroad at this moment of grief. 

We particularly appreciate the sympathy of all friendly nations who have signed the condolence registers through their Ambassadors and High Commissioners in Nigeria.

It was also quite consoling to see large number of our leaders and some members of the diplomatic community in Katsina yesterday, to bid our Late President farewell.

Government particularly notes that Nigerians specially recognised President Yar’Adua’s exceptional success in implementing the amnesty programme in the Niger Delta, his vision on electoral reform and other laudable initiatives while in office. 

The Federal Government wishes to renew its appeal to all Nigerians to use the 7 day period of mourning declared by President Goodluck Jonathan to pray for the family of our Late President, and peaceful repose of the soul of our departed great Leader.

Government wishes to reassure all Nigerians that President Goodluck Jonathan would build solidly on the successes of President Yar’Adua, as promised in his maiden broadcast.  We therefore appeal to all Nigerians to remain committed, ready and wiling to contribute to the on-going efforts to build a new progressive Nigeria where no one is oppressed.

PROF. DORA AKUNYILI

Honourable Minister of Information and Communications