BY DANIEL IDONOR

ABUJA — PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, marked his first anniversary with a promise that only the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians will inform government’s decisions in the next four years.

President Jonathan who was sworn in May 5, last year, thanked Nigerians for their immense contributions to the stability and progress of the nation in the past one year.

Looking ahead to his inauguration for a fresh term of office on May, 29, 2011, President Jonathan said  that a new chapter of renewal and transformation has been opened in Nigeria’s national life with the peaceful, free and fair conduct of the 2011 general elections.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Ima Niboro, quoted President Jonathan as urging “all Nigerians to join hands with his administration and dedicate themselves to ensuring the country’s continued march into a new season of peace, harmony and socio_economic development.”

President Jonathan also reaffirmed that “only the interests of Nigeria and the Nigerian people will inform decisions and plans for the future.”

The President said that he was determined to ensure that Nigeria successfully overcomes the challenges of inadequate power supply, national security and employment opportunities for the country’s youthful population.

He paid tribute to his predecessor, late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, whom he described as one of the nation’s greatest leaders and a visionary statesman, adding that he was committed to the enthronement of the ideals of patriotism and good governance, as well as the sustenance of growth and progress remain indelible.