Abuja, March 8, GNA- Nigerian Acting President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan at the weekend re-affirmed the position of ailing President Umaru Yar'Adua, saying: "He is still the President of this country."

"There are clear constitutional provisions in place and as you are aware I am acting on behalf of the President".

According to a statement from the office of Former President Jerry John Rawlings, the Acting Nigerian President had met lead delegates of the ongoing United Cities for Local Government in Africa (UCLGA) Congress led by Former President Rawlings, who called on him.

Dr Jonathan praised former President Rawlings for the significant role he was playing in enhancing leadership on the continent and commiserated with him on the recent loss of his official residence through fire. Former President Rawlings had earlier shared his sympathies on the health situation of President Yar'Adua and called on the Nigerian political leadership to ensure that the situation with the presidency was managed "with care".

"I know there is a lot of political discussion going on and I am sure Nigeria will handle the situation well,' he told Dr. Jonathan.

Dr. Jonathan assured Rawlings "that the situation was under control". The meeting, held in a cordial atmosphere and attended by Nigerian Minister for Interior and Local Government, saw former President Rawlings telling the acting Nigerian President to do everything in his power to clear the terrible image shown on international TV recently of a defenceless Nigerian disable being shot to death.

Acting President Jonathan said that the report had been published out of context, creating the impression that the disable had been murdered during the recent Muslim-Christian clashes in Nigeria. He said the incident happened well before the religious clashes and was committed by a member of the Boko Haram Islamist fundamentalist sect. Dr. Jonathan said that the Nigerian security agencies were investigating the matter and had already made some arrests. He congratulated Ghana on the occasion of her 53rd Independence celebrations and thanked former President Rawlings for finding time to grace the UCLGA Congress.

Dr. Jonathan said he was happy the UCLGA was working hard to consolidate local governance on the continent, as governance at the grassroots level was the best way of ensuring national development. Earlier, former President Rawlings delivered a thought provoking address on unity, emphasizing that until the sanctity of justice is restored in Africa's political fabric unity would continue to remain a mirage. He enjoined all Africans to be courageous and speak against injustices in society. 07 March 10