President Jonathan yesterday called on Nigerians to remain strong and resolute and not to be deterred by the evil machination going on in the north eastern part of the country.
In his Sallah message to Muslims in the country, President Jonathan urged Nigerians not to be cowed by the antics of the evil doers, saying that government was determined more than ever before to bring the insurgents to their knees.
While congratulating Nigerian Muslims on the occasion of Eid- el – Fitri which is celebrated by Muslims worldwide after the month of Ramadan, the President called on Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of Ramadan and expressed hope that the unique grace associated with the month would help the country overcome its challenges.
A statement signed by Presidential spokesman, Dr Reuben Abati read in part: “ As we celebrate Eid-el-Fitri, it is my hope and prayer that Ramadan’s spiritual lessons and the Holy Prophet’s teachings of piety, love, justice, fairness, equity, peaceful co-existence with others, tolerance, honesty and dedication to duty will remain with us all for the benefit and greater glory of our dear nation.
May the lessons and blessings of the Holy Month also permeate into us all, and positively influence our attitudes towards our fellow countrymen and women, irrespective of their religion or places of origin; and promote greater commitment to the peace, unity and stability of the nation.”
President Jonathan however expressed regret that despite the holiness of the month, terrorists still continued their bloodletting in parts of the country.
The President also called on Nigerians to keep supporting the Armed Forces in the battle to end terrorism.
The statement continued: “Although the observance of the Holy Month was sadly tainted in parts of the country with the continuing atrocities of extremists and terrorists in our midst, I urge all patriotic Nigerians to remain strong and resolute in defence of freedom, unity, law and order, peace, security and progress of the nation.
I feel the pains and anguish of all our compatriots who have experienced the harrowing impact of terrorism unleashed on them by brainwashed and misguided agents of evil and disunity, but we must never throw up our hands in helplessness and despair as the terrorists and purveyors of anarchy want.
Going forward, let us all remain unwaveringly committed to showing solidarity with our Armed Forces and security agencies and giving them the full support they require prosecuting the war against terrorism to a successful conclusion.
I assure all Nigerians, once again, that we are totally committed to winning that war, putting the scourge of terrorism and insecurity rapidly behind us and giving the fullest possible attention to the urgent task of improving the living conditions of our people in all parts of the country.”
He vowed that his Transformation Agenda would also not be detailed by the evil acts of the terrorists.
“We cannot and will not be deterred from our goal of positively transforming our nation into a strong, united, progressive, stable, secure and prosperous nation in which all citizens will live in peace in spite of our immense diversities,” the statement read.