Jonathan recovers, attends HICC meeting in London

President Goodluck Jonathan
| credits: File copy

President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday showed signs of recovery as he presided over a meeting of the Honorary International Investors Council holding in London.

Jonathan was unable to attend the opening of the council’s 15th meeting on Thursday due to ill-health.

He, however, presided over the Friday meeting despite the advice of his medical staff that he should rest for a few days.

Presidential spokesman, Reuben Abati, had issued a statement on Thursday indicating that Jonathan who became indisposed in the course of his overseas trip sought   “precautionary medical attention” from competent medical practitioners.

He however did not disclose the type of ailment the President is suffering from.

Responding to our correspondent’s e-mail enquiry on Friday on the nature of the President’s sickness; whether he was admitted in a hospital or treated in his hotel and the likely duration of his rest period among other questions, Abati said the enquiry had been overtaken by events since the President was back on his feet.

“Your enquiry, I guess, has been overtaken by events. The President has been at the HIIC meeting since morning (Friday). He delivered his address, and is presiding over the meeting. The President is back on his feet. He is right now presiding over the HIIC,” he wrote.

Jonathan, our correspondent learnt, did not show any sign of weakness as he arrived the venue of the meeting at about 9.30am local time alongside the Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Senator Dalhatu Tafida, and the Minister of State Foreign Affairs, Muhammed Nurudeen.

While apologising for his inability to attend the opening on Thursday, Jonathan assured participants that he was strong enough to attend the remaining sessions.

In his remarks at the meeting on Friday, a copy of which was made available to journalists by Abati, Jonathan said regardless of short term political pressures, his administration would continue to introduce bold and courageous reforms in order for the country to remain competitive.

He said that was the reason behind his administration’s steadfastness in making the country the preferred location for investors.

He said, “Competitiveness ultimately drives profitability, which is what investors are seeking worldwide. To be competitive, we must address long standing issues, and introduce   bold and courageous reforms, regardless of short term political pressures.

“This is why my government has remained steadfast in making Nigeria the preferred location for investors to do business, because it is our only pathway to create jobs, generate wealth, and guarantee our security.”

In building a truly competitive environment for business, the President said his administration was addressing fundamental issues such as internal security and power supply head-on.

He noted that for first time in Nigeria’s 53-year history, the Federal Government had successfully privatised the electric power industry.