Why I Picked Sambo - Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan said yesterday that his choice of Architect Mohammed Namadi Sambo as his deputy was based on the personal confidence he reposed in him, having worked with him in various capacities.

Jonathan had recently worked with Sambo in the National Economic Council, the National Independent Power Projects Committee and on the construction of the National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Sambo yesterday took oath of office and allegiance as Nigeria's vice-president in a brief ceremony held in the Aso Rock Council Chambers. Held at about 4:30 p.m., the ceremony was attended by President Jonathan and witnessed by some state governors, national and state legislators, ministers and political stalwarts. Sambo was also awarded with the country's second highest honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) by Jonathan.

The oath was administered to Sambo by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu, who, about two weeks ago, did same for Jonathan when he took over following the death of President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua. Welcoming the new VP into the Executive Council of the Federation (EXCOF), Jonathan assured that based on their closeness and the knowledge of the workings of government, the two of them will not fight each other but will work harmoniously to deliver qualitative governance to Nigerians, unlike what obtained in the past where presidents and their deputies engaged themselves in crises.

He praised Sambo and urged him to brace up for the enormous challenges ahead, which border on improving the state of the economy and the general welfare of the citizens. "Today we are witnessing a brief ceremony but quite unique and important in the political history of Nigeria.

As a country that is just coming out of a military government for about eleven years, we faced a major challenge that a number of people thought that democracy will be derailed; fortunately for us, with the hardworking Nigerians by the grace of God the ceremony today has come to show that we have stabilised as a nation," the president said.

He thanked all, including the media, the National Assembly, state governors and the armed forces for making the historic event possible. He specially thanked the legislators for the speedy approval granted the nomination of the vice-president.

"I am not surprised that Sambo, a gentleman we all know, has a reputation and a clear record as the immediate past governor of Kaduna State. He is somebody I have worked with before at the National Economic Council level and he has been a member of the committees that I chaired and I find him really worthy to hold this office.

"To him, he is not coming to a new terrain, because one of the key responsibilities of the vice-president is to chair the NEC and other related bodies and he has been a member, not just a passive member, very active member.

"Your Excellency I congratulate you on this appointment. We all congratulate you and I hope you will bring your wealth of experience to bear."

Jonathan added, "Our challenge now is to improve the economy. You will be meeting with the economic team regularly to ensure that our promises to Nigerians are kept.

"I promise you full cooperation. The stories of crisis between president and vice-president will not arise. I will make sure that we work together as a team. I have the confidence to say that because my history is well known by everybody. So I have a fair knowledge of areas of disagreement. I was a deputy governor before I became a governor, and I started as a vice-president before I became the president.

"I know that we will work together to make sure that we project the interest of this country internationally and work with all stakeholders to improve the economy of this country. I believe you will be supportive and carry out the duty of your office without fear or favour."

On his own part, the vice-president pledged his loyalty to Jonathan and assured of his readiness and willingness to bring to bear his wealth of experience gathered over the years to the administration of the country.

He thanked the president for choosing him to serve the government among many others, and said he will not disappoint either the president or the nation.

"Your Excellency sir, it is with a deep sense of appreciation and the will to serve my fatherland that I accept this enormous responsibility of the office of the vice-president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I am not unaware of the challenges posed by the dictates of this office and we shall surmount such challenges, Allah willing.

"Mr. President sir, at this juncture, permit me to commiserate with you and fellow Nigerians over the loss of our dear President Umaru Yar'Adua, and to wish and pray that Allah in His infinite mercy finds a place for him and give him the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

"I believe that my choice to occupy this office by Mr. President is hinged on the belief that I will bring my wealth of experience garnered over the years in the private, as well as the public sector, to bear in the discharge of my duties and actualisation of Mr. President's lofty programmes for our dear country."

Sambo said, "I have had cause to work with Mr. President, just as he had said, closely in the National Economic Council, National Independent Power Committee, as well as the PDP building project, as well as several other committees, and the experience had been worthwhile.

"We are by providence and fate provided with yet another opportunity to work closely in our current capacities and I believe that it will be the beginning of a partnership that would be beneficial to Nigerians as we shall forge a common front to see to the realisation of a credible electoral reform, a sustained fight against corruption, and the rejuvenation of the power sector; peaceful and steady implementation of the blueprint for the resolution of the Niger Delta question and the need to enhance effective security in our dear country.
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"I shall not forget the completion of several infrastructural projects that are currently ongoing and to affirm that I shall discharge my functions in line with the dictates of my oath of allegiance and office diligently, effectively, transparently and for the bebefit of Nigerians."

Calling on the National Assembly, his former colleagues-governors and all stakeholders in the Nigeria project to give the administration of Dr. Jonathan the needed support to consolidate on the gains and achievements recorded so far, the VP thanked all those that have been of assistance to the realisation of this noble dream and promised that he will not disappoint them. He called on Nigerians "to have confidence and trust in our ability to deliver".

The vice-president is expected to travel to Kaduna today where he will officially hand over to his erstwhile deputy, Mr. Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, who is taking over as governor of the state.

May they remain "partners for progress".

i pray he should be able to make a difference.