20110429
Ahamefula Ogbu

President Goodluck Jonathan Thursday asked Nigerians to brace up for good governance and development after conducting a credible election that has gone a long way to repair the country's image before the international community.

He gave the charge when a delegation of the Labour party visited him to submit a development blue print aimed at helping the country reclaim global position.

Jonathan promisd that the next election in the country would be more credible as all the hiccups noted in the elections would have been corrected, adding that, "we must change the future of our country by managing our resources better and do things differently."

He expressed sadness at the killing of youth corps members during the election and described them as martyrs for our democracy as they died "to save this country and open a new vista of political evolution in this country".

The Labour party which had earlier endorsed the President pledged to work with him and submitted a development blueprint which they said will help rebuild Nigeria.

Leading a delegation to the Presidential villa, National Chairman of the party, Mr. Dan Nwanyanwu, listed revival of ailing industries, creation of employment for skilled and unskilled Nigerians as well as addressing security as major planks on their agenda for the administration.

Nwanyanwu said they were not aiming to form government of national unity with Jonathan as their major concern was to ensure the progress of the country which he insisted has brighter chances with the President on the driver's seat. "We have submitted documents to the President, some sort of a blueprint of what we consider to be some issues that he may have to look at in attempting to kick start his government next month.

Meanwhile, the President is to embark on a seven-day working retreat to Obudu Ranch Resort in Cross River State starting Friday.

A Statement from his Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ima Niboro, did not give the itinerary of the President while on the retreat. He stated that the President will be accompanied on the retreat by his aides and some senior government officials.

The two paragraph statement read, "President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will Friday, April 29, 2011 embark on a seven-day working retreat to the Obudu Mountain Resort in Cross River State.

"The President will be accompanied by some senior government officials and his aides".