Don’t allow terrorists to infiltrate Niger – Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan

PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday told the government and people of Niger State not to allow terrorists and insurgents to infiltrate the state.

Jonathan noted that if the terrorists were allowed a ground in the state, it would hinder the state’s economic growth.

He gave the warning at the ground breaking ceremony of the 700 megawatts hydro-electric dam project, located in Zungeru town, Niger State.

The President noted that the state had had its share of terrorism, which he said truncated the social and economic lives of the people. He, however, expressed gratitude to God that the situation was immediately nipped in the bud.

Commenting on the military operation in Borno, Yobe and Adamwa states, he said the Federal Government had the political will to take up any challenge facing the country in order to achieve the goals and objectives of the transformation agenda.

The President said the Federal Government was committed to the execution of the reform programme in the energy sector of the country, which he said would phase out generating sets as basic instruments to power homes and business centres.

“It is history that is being made today. It is a long and tedious journey,” he said.

President Jonathan said adequate provision had been made in terms of funding to execute the N163bn project.

He promised to look at the Hydro Power Producing Areas Development Commission Bill already passed by the National Assembly with a view to assenting to it.