BY DANIEL IDONOR

President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, said equitable distribution of developmental projects to all parts of the country will remain a cardinal principle of his administration if his mandate to lead the nation is renewed in next month’s presidential election.

Speaking when he received members of  the League of Imams and Alfas of the old Western Region,  Jonathan reiterated his total commitment to running an all-inclusive government that will not discriminate against any Nigerian or section of the country.

“We will collate the priority interests of all geo-political zones in the country and factor them into a five-year development plan which will be adequately funded to ensure effective implementation,” the President told the Islamic leaders from Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Ekiti, Edo and Delta states.

He said with success in the April polls, his administration will continue to work with all interest groups in the country to achieve rapid economic development and create new jobs for Nigeria’s youthful population.

“We will work harder to develop national infrastructure, boost power supply, diversify the economy, boost mechanised agriculture, improve rail transportation and other forms of transportation,” President Jonathan added in response to a solidarity message delivered to him by the group’s President-General, Sheikh Mustapha Ajisafe.

Ajisafe had assured  Jonathan of the support of the Muslim Ummah in the old Western Region for his “noble vision for Nigeria.”.

“As commanded by the Holy Quran, we must pray for our leaders in their governance of the state. We pray that Almighty Allah will continue to give you strength and the wisdom to pilot the affairs of the nation. We commend your reaching out to all Nigerians irrespective of religious or ethnic differences. Allah will strengthen you further, especially in this critical stage of our history,” the sheikh stated.