I’ll perform ground breaking of 2nd Niger Bridge in March -Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan has assured Nigerians that he would perform the ground breaking of the 2nd Niger Bridge “before Governor Peter Obi leaves office on March 17″.

Jonathan said this on Saturday when he paid a visit to Igwe Alfred Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, in his palace.
The 2nd Niger Bridge was part of President Jonathan’s campaign promises to the people of the South East and South South zones.
The project was conceived in order to decongest the existing bridge across the River Niger in Onitsha.
Jonathan said: “By the time I am doing the ground breaking, I want pile drivers and other equipment to be on ground.
“Immediately the ground breaking is done, work will start up and our people here will start seeing reality on ground.
“The 1st Niger Bridge was built by Azikiwe (Nnamdi) and the 2nd Niger Bridge will be done by another Azikiwe (Goodluck Jonathan) before he leaves office.”
The President thanked Anambra State people for their overwhelming support, assuring them that the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Grand Alliance would “continue to work together for the progress of our people”.
On security, Jonathan said that the security challenges were getting sophisticated daily, noting that the Federal Government was also equal to the task.
“We are trying to get more equipped; we know the challenge and we are working hard to overcome it,” he said.
Jonathan thanked Igwe Achebe for keeping peace in his domain as well as helping the Federal and Anambra State governments to conduct peaceful elections.
He thanked Obi for his development strides, stressing that Anambra State remained one of the few states “not owing anybody or financial institution.
“Your governor, Peter Obi, had been a prudent manager of both human and financial resources and has lifted the state to an enviable height”.
Jonathan said Obi would continue to work with him, having been a member of his Economic Management Team.
Earlier, the Obi of Onitsha reminded the President of the 2nd Niger Bridge promise.
He said: “You promised this during your campaign here and also assured that the bridge will be completed within your tenure in office.
“We beg you to start it now.
“And it will be a great legacy for you.”
Achebe thanked Jonathan for the ongoing Zik’s mausoleum project, adding that Jonathan had finally turned the age-long dream into reality.
The monarch lauded Jonathan for the courage in organising a national conference where the issues of the country would be freely discussed.
He urged Jonathan to find solution to insecurity, especially the issue of Boko Haram, as well as empowerment of Nigerians.
“I would urge you to remain focused in your transformation agenda and I assure you that we are backing you as well as praying for your success always,” Achebe added.
Obi thanked the President for coming home again to Anambra State, adding: “You don’t need to campaign here any longer.
“All people from various walks of life are already backing you in this state.”
Traders’’ executives, the academia, traditional rulers and titled-men as well as present and past top government functionaries came to the palace to welcome President Jonathan.
Jonathan was accompanied by PDP chieftains, including Dr. Adamu Mu’azu, The National Chairman; Chief Tony Aninih, Chairman of the Board of Trustees; and Senator Ben Obi, Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters.
Others were Chief Arthur Eze, an industrialist; and Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State.