Again, Jonathan assures FG is winning war against terror

Conscious of the doubts that the international investors might be having over Nigeria’s business climate because of the security challenge confronting it, President Goodluck Jonathan has once again, assured them of conducive investments environment
He was speaking on Thursday at the opening of the 14th meeting of the Honorary International Investor Council (HIIC) held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The last meeting of the HIIC being coordinated by Baroness Lynda Chalker was held in London and attended by Vice President Namadi Sambo.
President Jonathan expressed delight that significant improvements in national security have been recorded since the declaration of state of emergency in three north-eastern states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa in May.
Of special interest to the President is the unprecedented support by the local people who could not hide their disenchantment for the hitherto deteriorating security situations in their respective states.
This development, President Jonathan said is a confirmation of government position that the insurgents were thriving owing to the backing of international terror organizations hell bent on destabilizing the country.
While assuring that government would continue to give whatever it takes to secure lives and property in every nooks and crannies of the country, the President also thanked HIIC members for their continued faith in the country in spite of mounting challenges.
President Jonathan also told the gathering that the nation’s economy is growing, but hastened to add that he will like to see it grow to a level of double digit soon.
On the increasing rate of oil theft, the President agreed it is affecting the nation’s image and the economy, saying that his administration will continue to address it.
Speaking earlier, the HIIC Coordinator, Lynda Chalker had again reiterated the urgent need for the Jonathan administration to be more proactive in addressing the issue of oil theft, which she noted was `”diminishing income into the treasury”.
Also, Chalker stressed the need to do more in the areas of infrastructure like roads, rails and power, saying they are necessary to drive the nation’s growth and development.
The HIIC is a Presidential Advisory Body of reputable international investors charged with the responsibility of attracting Direct Foreign Investment (DFI) into Nigeria.
Some foreign investors present at the meeting were Hruki Hayashi, Simon Hayford, Olivier Suinat, Guillaume Roux, Jacques des Grottes, Andrew Brown and David Haworth. Their counterparts from Nigeria include, Aliko Dangote, Emmanuel Ijewere, Femi Otedola, Umar Murtallab and Sam Jonah.
Also present at the meeting were Vice President Namadi Sambo, Ministers of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Aviation, Stella Oduah, Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, Agriculture, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, Petroleum Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke and Internal Affairs, Abba Moro.
Others were the Comptroller-General of Customs, Abdullahi Dikko, the CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido, Group Managing Director of NNPC and the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Investments Promotion Council, Mr. Mustafa Bello.