JONATHAN GIVES GOVS AUTOMATIC TICKETS

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said he has endorsed all the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors for a second term because they are doing well, adding that changing governors every four years does not encourage development.
Jonathan at the opening of the Jonathan/Sambo organisation office in Enugu said those governors that are doing well should be encouraged to continue.
“It is a pleasure and I am full of happiness in commissioning this office, especially considering the fact that the PDP governors have endorsed us, given us the mandate including all the South East Governors though they were not at our meeting yesterday because they were here to prepare to receive me.
“We have also endorsed them because we believe that a governor that is doing well should be encouraged to do well. Changing governors every four years does not encourage development. You need a reasonable length of time to develop an area. We thank the South East for moving in the same direction. And so today I formally commission this office for our use to the glory of God”.
Earlier, President Jonathan had flagged off the official designation of Akanu Ibiam Airport as international airport and commissioning of its upgraded runway
The airport was first commissioned for operation on October 22, 1976 by the late Gen. Shehu Musa Yar’Adua.
The upgrade of the airport to an international airport and the extension of its runway are part of the Federal Government’s airport rehabilitation programme, designed to improve the state of infrastructure at the nation’s 21 airports.
The airport was closed over a year ago for rehabilitation, in line with its recent upgrade to an international status by the Federal Government has its runway extended by three kilometres.
The project is being executed in two phases. The first phase that was commissioned yesterday involved the asphalting and extension of the runway length from 2400 metres to 3000 metres and the width from 45 metres to 60 metres to enable wide bodied aircraft such as Boeing 747 to use the airport. The cost is N4.1 billion.
The second phase involves the construction of a new apron and taxiway; and the upgrade of the Airfield Lighting System to Category II. The cost is N11.2 billion and the contract will terminate in November 2011.
The third phase which involves relocating the control tower and new terminal building with new car park to a new spot will commence at the conclusion of the second phase
The President was also treated to a civil reception at the Okpara Square, where Governor Martin Elechi of Ebonyi State, praised him for the special attention he has paid to the South East. He said the President doesn’t need to campaign in the South East because they will vote for him just to thank him.
In his remark, Jonathan said he has always considered himself close to the Igbo because of the circumstances of his birth and education.
He said the visit was just a sensitization tour ahead of the PDP primaries in January. He said delegates are representatives of the people because if they vote wrongly and choose the wrong candidates across all levels, we are all doomed.
Before we talk to the delegates, we have to talk to the people who own the delegates. So, we are here to tell you we are interested and we are seeking your support.
The ball is in my court to do what is right. I can assure you that I will work with your governors, very vibrant young men and so are your ministers, power is dear to all Nigerians and so is our burden and so by the time we complete next four years, this power problem will be solved.