President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday expressed optimism over the resilience and ability of Nigerians to keep the country together against all odds.
The President, who spoke at the State House when Abuja residents paid him Easter homage, stated that no matter the evil machinations of the Boko Haram sect, it won’t succeed in disintegrating the country.
“Nigeria will disappoint those who are thinking that the country will disintegrate because it will not divide. Surely, we will overcome these tribulations. Those who think that this country will be divided into North, South-East and West, or whatever, are joking because we will not allow Boko Haram to disintegrate this country. Most of you are even aware that when this incident happened in Nyanya, Nigerians from all religions, from all classes participated in the evacuation of the people who were affected, even before security agents arrived the scene,” the President said.
He continued: “People came from everywhere, irrespective of their religious beliefs and persuasion. That shows that there is no criminal group, within or outside this country that can break us. No criminal group will disintegrate this country. Boko Haram will come and go, we have overcome various challenges, God willing, we will also overcome Boko Haram. “
President Jonathan further urged state governments to apply the resources at their disposal to alleviating poverty in their states and reduce their overdependence on the centre.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed, who led FCT residents to the Villa, commended Nigerians for their response to the Nyanya bomb blast and promised that his administration would work hard to ensure the safety of all Nigerians in the nation’s capital.
The minister, on behalf of the FCT, made a special presentation to President Jonathan, whilst praying for God’s protection for him, his family and the entire country.
Earlier at a service organised to mark Easter Sunday, the Chaplain of the Aso Rock Villa Church, Ven. Obioma Onwuzurumba, urged the congregation to emulate Jesus Christ who laid down his life for mankind.
In his message, entitled “Let Us Celebrate Jesus”, he declared that ample evidence exist to show that Jesus Christ resurrected as was shown by the preaching of Apostle Paul who after persecuting the Christians turned around to preach the gospel of Jesus.
Those who attended the service included Senator representing FCT, Philip Aduda, Minister of Youth Development, Boni Haruna, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Power, Godknows Igali, renowned sports administrator, Dr. Amos Adamu, Minister of Culture and Tourism, Chief Edem Duke.
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