PRESIDENT Jonathan has restated the determination of his administration to enthroning and sustaining good governance, accountability, transparency and the rule of law.
He was represented by the Senate Deputy President, Ike Ekweremadu, Saturday, at the graduation ceremony of the Senior Executive Course No 34 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, in Jos, where 66 participants graduated and were decorated with the NIPSS 'mni' badge.
Jonathan, who stressed that credible elections are stepping stones for good governance, said the country has made tremendous progress in the area of governance as well as in other sectors.
He also spoke on government's fight against corruption, promising that that there would be no sacred cows. "Whoever is found to have transgressed will be made to face the full wrath of the law," he said.
He said: "The goal of the founding fathers of NIPSS was for this unique Institute to be the bastion of nation-building and national development. The idea of assembling citizens, not only from civil professions, but also from our military, para-military and other security agencies, every year for a 10-month training programme, is indeed an inspired vision.
"I note that the programme for Senior Executive Course does not unduly dwell on formal aspects such as attending lectures in order to pass examinations.
"I am pleased that the programme is designed to engage participants in in-depth research, lively discussions and exchange of ideas on the serious challenges facing the country with a view to finding practical and ready solutions."
The President noted that teamwork, rather than individual effort, is a good model for leadership at various levels in the country to emulate. He also reiterated his unshakable faith in the country, saying its future is very bright.
One of the participants who distinguished herself in overall performance of Course 34, Director, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mrs. Queensley Sofuratu Seghosime, was given special recognition by Jonathan.
In an interview, she told reporters that although the course had been hectic, it was worth it, adding that that she would take back to her workplace things she has learnt at the Institute to improve society.
Earlier, the Director-General of NIPSS, Prof. Muhammad Tijjani Bande, said that no individual or group of persons could break up the country.
According to him, there might be conflict and the menace of Boko Haram but "these are challenges that would soon be nipped in the bud."
He noted that genuine effort must be made by the government and the people to make the nation peaceful.
