President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday in Abuja re-assured the victims of flood disaster across the country of Federal Government’s assistance.
Jonathan gave the assurance in his 2012 Independence Day national radio and television broadcast, and said the Federal Government would collaborate with the affected states and local governments in reaching out to the victims.
“In the last few weeks, for example, many of our communities have been ravaged by floods resulting in the loss of lives and property, and the displacement of persons.
“I want to reassure all affected Nigerians that I share in their grief, and our administration is taking steps to address these incidents, in collaboration with the states and local governments.
“We have received the interim report of the presidential team that was set up to assess the flooding situation across the country.
“The Federal Government has taken measures to assist the affected states, while considering long term measures to check future reoccurrence.’’
The president noted that the various challenges confronting the nation would not deter the efforts of his government on several fronts at transforming the nation.
He said the proactive measures put in place to check the spate of insecurity in the nation were yielding results.
Specifically, he said that government’s consultation and collaboration with neighbours and friendly nations on issues of internal and cross-border security had helped in no small measure in checking security challenges.
He said: “our security agencies are constantly being strengthened and repositioned for greater efficiency.
Many Nigerians have acknowledged that there has been a significant decline in the spate of security breaches.
“While expressing our condolences to affected families; let me reiterate the commitment of this administration to ensure the safety of lives and property of all Nigerians.’’
Jonathan said that government was succeeding in the fight against corruption in all facets of the economy.
“We have put an end to several decades of endemic corruption associated with fertiliser and tractor procurement and distribution.
“We have exposed decades of scam in the management of pensions and fuel subsidy, and ensured that the culprits are being brought to book.
“In its latest report, Transparency International noted that Nigeria is the second most improved country in the effort to curb corruption.
“We will sustain the effort in this direction with an even stronger determination to strengthen the institutions that are statutorily entrusted with the task of ending this scourge.’’
He reassured of his commitment to non-interference in the work of the relevant anti-corruption agencies.
The president reiterated his administration’s commitment to the pursuit of fundamental objectives of an open society.
He said he would remain steadfast in the pursuit of freedom, security and prosperity for the Nigerian people, and for the rule of law. (NAN)