May God Almighty bless our dear nation, guide us always, Jonathan prays.

Abuja – President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday reiterated his unshaken belief in the ability of the nation to overcome all retrogressive and divisive forces and that may God Almighty bless our dear nation, guide us always.

The president, who stated this in his Easter message to the nation, said that Nigerians have the potential to turn the nation’s unique diversity into a source of

Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep. Emeka Ihedioha; Senate President David Mark and President Goodluck Jonathan; at the pre-centenary national praise and thanksgiving service in Abuja on Sunday

strength in building a strong, united and prosperous country.

Jonathan said that his administration would 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.

“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.

“We have already made notable advances in this regard.

“As a result of our efforts and those of previous administrations, the Nigerian economy is now the largest in Africa and the 26th largest in the world,” he said.

The president, however, noted that the nation could not afford to rest on its oars as much remained to be done.

He said government would continue to count on the patriotic support of all Nigerians as it made efforts to achieve more inclusive economic growth, generate more national wealth and create more employment opportunities.

Jonathan commended the leadership and delegates at the ongoing National Conference as well as the vast majority of Nigerians who had shown patriotic commitment to national unity, peace and progress.

“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 toward strengthening national unity and fulfilling our collective desire for a better and greater nation,” he said.

The president used the occasion to once again commiserate with all the families who had lost relatives in recent terrorist attacks.

“Our thoughts and sympathies remain with all those who have suffered injuries from the heinous attacks.

“We pray for their speedy recovery and shall keep on doing everything possible to assist them with required medical services and material support,” he said.

The president assured that the armed forces and security agencies would continue to do their best to curb such attacks and restore full security to all parts of the country.

He, however, urged every Nigerian to be more alert and vigilant.

Jonathan also called on them to give the security agencies all possible assistance, support and cooperation they require to achieve more effective protection of lives and property across the country.

“We shall continue to count on your support and prayers for greater peace, harmony, progress and prosperity in Nigeria.

“May God Almighty bless our dear nation and guide us, always,” he said.

The president further extended greetings to the Christian faithful celebrating the Easter commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

He urged all Nigerians to reflect on the significance of its lessons of piety, obedience to higher authorities and self sacrifice for the good of others.

“I also urge you to reflect on the significance of its lessons of redemption, salvation, deliverance, renewal and the ultimate triumph of good over evil,’’ he said.

He urged them to reflect on the lessons of Easter and other injunctions on brotherly love, peaceful co-existence, tolerance, honesty, humility, justice, equity and fairness to all without discrimination as contained in the gospels.(NAN)

@akusonhenry; Now i really think we should stop putting in or hold on to religious hope as the only means of rescue in any issues or problems we faces as individuals, state or country. God has already given us the brain, manpower and material resources to work things out and mend issues. That is why we are called "the thinking species". Lets think out positive means rather than complain and lament about negative things.

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