President Goodluck Jonathan has assured Nigerians the current crisis of insurgency would not endure for long, even as he expressed optimism that the country would win the war against terrorism.
In his Easter message to Nigerians, Jonathan expressed belief in the nation’s ability to overcome what he called “retrogressive and divisive forces in our midst and build a strong, united and prosperous nation.”
A statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said the government was committed to a peaceful and united Nigeria.
“In spite of the evil machinations of terrorists, criminals and their collaborators, our administration remains ardently focused on efforts to successfully execute the Federal Government’s Agenda for National Transformation and achieve sustained development,” Jonathan said.
Adding: “My belief in our ability to overcome all retrogressive and divisive forces in our midst and build a strong, united and prosperous nation by turning our unique diversity into a source of strength remains unshaken and we will continue to work with all interest groups and stakeholders in the country to achieve the peaceful, secure and politically stable conditions essential for rapid socio-economic development.”
He said, Nigerians cannot afford to rest on their oars, stressing that “much remains to be done and we will continue to count on the patriotic support of all Nigerians as we strive to achieve more inclusive economic growth, generate more national wealth and create more employment opportunities to meet the demands of our increasingly youthful population.”
The president, while lauding the leadership and delegates to the ongoing National Conference, said, “the vast majority of them have shown a patriotic and praiseworthy commitment to national unity, peace and progress built on justice, fairness and equity for all component parts of the country.”
He said, “As the Conference breaks into committees to continue its deliberations, it remains our hope and expectation that the end result will be meaningful and enduring contributions towards strengthening national unity and fulfilling our collective desire for a better and greater nation.”
He expressed condoled the families who lost loved relatives in recent terrorist attacks assuring that the armed forces and security agencies would continue to do their very best to curb such attacks and restore full security to all parts of our beloved country.
