Presidential Research & Communications Unit

The Acting President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has said though there are daunting challenges ahead of the country, he is determined to ensure that the nation surmounts these challenges.

He stated this on Thursday February 11, when he received members of the Senate leadership led by Senate President, Senator David Mark, at his official residence in Aguda House, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Dr. Jonathan thanked members of the National Assembly for their courage in moving the nation forward in spite of the heated debate occasioned by the President’s absence, while assuring them of a harmonious working relationship.

According to him, the business of governance is collective and all arms of government should work together in the interest of the nation, within the ambit of the doctrine of separation of powers.

The Acting President also told the Senate leadership to expect executive correspondence shortly, while he urged all Nigerians not to relent in praying for the quick recovery of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

Earlier, Senator Mark congratulated Acting President Jonathan on behalf of the Senate and pledged the cooperation of the Upper Chamber for him. “The Senate leadership is here to congratulate you and to let you know that we are ready to receive correspondence from you. We are very willing and prepared to work with you. We look forward to the first letter from you and I expect a loud ovation when your first letter comes to the Senate,” he said.

Mark prayed God to give Acting President Jonathan the courage and wisdom to lead the country in the right direction, adding that “we will join you to continue to pray for quick recovery for President Umaru Yar’Adua”.

Senate President Mark was accompanied by his deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, the Senate Leader, Senator Teslim Folarin, Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mahmud Kanti Bello, Senate Minority Leader, Senator Maina Maaji Lawan, Deputy Minority Leader, Senator Olorunnibe Mamora, Minority Whip, Senator Ahmed Yerima, Deputy Majority Whip, Senator Mohammed Mana, and Deputy Minority Whip, Senator Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya.