President Goodluck Jonathan has assured that his administration will not abandon those affected by various insurgents’ attacks and other security crisis in the country, saying, “let me assure you that we will stand by you.” He said, “we feel your pain and we will do all we can to provide you with comforts and recovery.” Represented by Senate President, David Mark, at this year’s Special Inter-denominational Service with the theme: “Righteousness Exalts a Nation,” to commemorate Democracy Day at the National Christian Centre, Jonathan noted that no responsible government would standby and watch anarchy take over the streets. He vowed that his government would do everything within the ambit of the law to protect and defend not only our citizens but the unity of the country.
He expressed happiness that reports reaching him indicated that the security operatives were presently revising the negative trend of insurgency in the three affected states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe and the environs that emergency rule was declared. . President Jonathan thanked Nigerians for the support of his government and assured that his administration was recording giant strides despite the various challenges and that the country’s policies had attracted investors and was still the prefered destination in Africa. He saluted the gallantry of the heros past, who had fought to ensure Nigeria remains one and enjoys democracy. Jonathan said: “It is my pleasure to welcome you to mark our democracy day. As you all know May 29 has been specially set aside in the annals of the nation not just to mark our return to the government for the people by the people, but also to celebrate our heros, who struggled to bring us to where we are today. “To all those men, women and institutions through whose labour we enjoy democracy today, we must continue to doff our hats, they remain shining examples of heroism and sacrifice. It is because of their hard work and sacrifices that we celebrate democracy today.
We remain eternally grateful to all of them. “We who are saddled with the democratic leadership of the country at this point in our history, will continue to protect our freedom and our way of life. “We will continue to pull our shared values and ensure that Nigerians enjoy democracy, liberty in the land of opportunity, where no man is discriminated against. “We celebrate May 29 across party lines and social divide, this is how it should be. Because we celebrate, we understand the full import of democracy and what it means to our people, who have been able to choose in an unfiltered manner those who will lead them from where they are to where they want to be. “As an administration we have continued to nurture our democracy, the mantra of one man one vote, one woman one vote, one youth one vote, are the battle cry for free and fair elections in 2011.
I’m glad to note that the 2011 elections continued to echo nationally and internationally as one of the freest and fairest elections this country has had. We have diligently followed through with similar success in Ondo, Edo, Kebbi and Kogi states amongst others, were the people spoke and their voices were heard loud and clear. “We have also raised up our war against corruption, our anti-corruption agencies are strengthen and for the first time in our history we have institutionalised a meeting between the three arms of government in conjunction with the anti-corruption agencies. We have achieved synergy through this forum in which issues of governance are placed on the front burner and ways fashioned out to ensure continued improvement in our body’s polity. “There is no doubt that our country there are challenges, we have received gratitude and outpouring of goodwill of all well meaning Nigerians on the unfortunate but inevitable declaration of state of emergency in the three states of north east, namely Adamawa, Borno and Yobe.
“No responsible government anywhere in the world will fold its arms and watch anarchy reign supreme within its borders. This government therefore will do everything within the ambit of our law to protect and defend not only our citizen but the unity of our country. Report reaching me indicate that our gallant and patriotic security men are presently revising the negative trend of insurgency in the three affected states and the environs. “I want to assure Nigerians that this administration is up to task and will not relent until peace and normalcy returns to the affected states. “We will return sanity and peace to the streets of Nigeria and we will defeat all the threats to our corporate existence. “My prayers are with the families of our brave service men and women and all those who have tragically lost their lives to internal crisis in the nation. “Their memories will linger on in our hearts, our thoughts are with the unfortunate victims and families who faced a long road ahead, the wounded and heartbroken. Families rent apart by tragedies and sorrow, the churches, the mosques and those who lost possessions to attacks by insurgents.
“As President of this great nation, let me assure you that we will stand by you. We feel your pain and we will do all we can to provide you with comforts and recovery. “Inspite of the challenges we have face, I make bold to say that our country is strong and our economy is growing faster than any other country in Africa today. “Our policies have continued to receive global acclaim and approval as most investors coming to Africa prefer to set up shops in Nigeria. In the midst of the lingering negatives our nation remains the center of gravity of our the African economy and society. “Our economy, music, films, sports particularly our football and fashion are all on the rebound across Africa. “Our people remain bold and courageous, working hard all over the country and around the world to keep our flag flying. “As we tackle the infrastructure deficit across sectors, our GDP and living standard will witness steady rise in the years ahead. Nigeria has come to stay, Africa looks up to us for leadership and direction, the world reposes high hopes in our capacity and credentials, we cannot afford to fail, and we will not fail. We must therefore continue to pull our strength, minimise our areas of weakness and create that positive synergy that will take us from where we are as a people to the destination of our hopes and dreams. We must try to pass on a prosperous and united peaceful and happy nation to our children and future generation.
“Let me appreciate the support of all Nigerians to our administration, I appreciate your prayers and goodwill, together the destiny of our nation is assured”. The church announced the launch of campaign to restore core values to the nation. It said is time to use the campaign to save the nation from avoidable crisis currently plaguing the nation. The theme of the campaign is “Be the change you want to see” and will run for one year and will be launched on June 14th. Some notable personalities present were, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, National Assembly members led by Senate President David Mark, and Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha, Federal Executive Council members, led by the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim Presidential aides led by the Chief of Staff Mike Oghiadomhe, members of the diplomatic corps. Others were Deputy Governors of Oyo, Nassarawa, and Kaduna. Others were The Service Chiefs, Heads of Security and Para-military services, Traditional Rulers, members of the judiciary, Christian mothers, School children.
The deputy governor, Ignatius Lonjang, who was the first to congratulate the governor, stated that it was God’s mercy and a big surprise to Plateau people.
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