President Goodluck Jonathan
has assured that Nigeria will
overcome the Boko Haram
insurgency.
Speaking at the Church of Christ
in Nations (COCIN), Area1, Abuja,
where he participated in the first
Sunday Service of the year, the
president said his administration
would ensure the even
development of all parts of the
country. He said his
administration "sympathize(d)
with those who have been
affected by the executions "
carried out by the Boko Haram
group.
"Boko Haram is temporary, Boko
Haram will surely go. A number
of countries are facing similar
challenges and some have been
able to overcome it and surely we
will overcome Boko Haram. Life in
the north must change;
development must go to all parts
of this country," he said.
The president said nobody or
group can hold Nigeria to
ransom, saying "we will
collectively liberate this country
from the hands of any evil
person, so that we can leave
behind a Nigeria that our children
and grandchildren will be proud
of."
Mr. Jonathan said the current
tense political situation prior to
2015 general elections was
normal, even in developed
countries; saying it would not
deter his administration from
proceeding with its programmes.
"I will not bore you, but let me
reassure you again that myself
and those who have been elected
this period, that the political
environment are always noisy all
over the world. There is nowhere
you won't hear so much noise,"
he said.
"Even the United States of
America, not long ago, the
country was almost shut down.
For so many months people were
worried that the country that has
practiced democracy for so many
years could get to that situation.
But that is politics for you.
"But let me reassure you that we
will continue to work harder to
improve the quality of lives of
Nigerians. …..anything you start,
there is always a time."
The president said development
projects take time to complete
and asked for patience from
Nigerians.
"If you want to build a single
storey building, it must take you
some time to build. We are
building one small mini private
banquet for the President in the
State House…. with a great
company like Julius Berger, what
we thought will take six months is
getting two years," he said.
Mr. Jonathan said he would not
read a prepared speech so as not
to be misinterpreted.
"I'm not going to read a speech
because I avoid making speeches
this time around so that I will not
be misinterpreted. We are quite
pleased to be with you today. We
have enjoyed your approach to
worship. Let me again thank the
new incoming President,
Reverend Datiri , for the
sermon," he said.
In his message to the
congregation, the new President
of COCIN, Dachollom Datiri,
noted that the church has
suffered greatly from Boko Haram
attacks in its branches in the
North East.
He commended the President for
declaring State of Emergency in
Yobe, Borno and Adamawa;
saying it had helped check
insurgent activities.
"Your transformation agenda is
loveable and commendable. You
are always in church and God
will never forget you . When a
leader puts the things of God
first, all other things shall be
added unto him," he said.
The cleric assured of his church's
support for the Jonathan
administration, saying, "COCIN is
ever thankful to God for giving
you to Nigeria, COCIN members
despite political affiliations will
support you."
Among those who attended the
Sunday service were the
President's mother, Eunice
Jonathan; the President's Chief of
Staff, Mike Ogiadhome; Police
Affairs Minister, Caleb Olubolade;
and Minister of FCT (State),
Olajumoke Akinjide.
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