Jonathan: We’re turning the tide against B/Haram

In his Independence Day broadcast yesterday, Jonathan said he would continue to do all it takes to enable the security agencies keep on inflicting devastating blows at the heart of terror.“Night after night, day after day, our security forces continue to engage the terrorists in battle,” he said.“Yet, they have remained undaunted and unwearied in […]

In his Independence Day broadcast yesterday, Jonathan said he would continue to do all it takes to enable the security agencies keep on inflicting devastating blows at the heart of terror.
“Night after night, day after day, our security forces continue to engage the terrorists in battle,” he said.
“Yet, they have remained undaunted and unwearied in the face of constant challenge and mortal danger. Driven by patriotic zeal, they are turning the tide by their prowess and determination.
“As Commander-in-Chief, I will continue to do all it takes to enable them to keep on inflicting devastating blows at the heart of terror.”
Jonathan said Nigeria was currently in a sober moment occasioned by the activities of terrorists who, he said, had done the unimaginable to challenge the nation’s unity.
“In my address to the nation last year, I did emphasise that we were in a sober moment in our country. We’re still in that mood in spite of the many accomplishments of our administration,” he said.
“Our sombreness has to do with the crises of nationhood occasioned by the activities of terrorist elements who have done the unimaginable to challenge our unity as a people.”
He said his administration was committed to making the country safe for all Nigerians, irrespective of their places of birth, religions and political persuasion.
Jonathan also urged Boko Haram insurgents to lay down their arms and those with genuine grievances to embrace dialogue.
He said while his government continued to deploy its resources in the fight against the terrorists, it recognised the great toll the conflict was taking on Nigerians.
Jonathan urged all Nigerians to put aside political, sectional or other parochial considerations, and wholeheartedly support his government’s efforts towards checking “this evil”.
The president described the just concluded National Conference as the nation’s greatest centenary gift that must be cherished and sustained, promising that his government would implement its recommendations.
He said one major lesson of the conference is that a multi-ethnic country like Nigeria must learn to embrace painstaking dialogue until consensus is established.
He said though the nation’s 54 year-journey had not been easy, the Nigerian spirit and the resilience of Nigerians had seen the country through.
He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, the security agencies, politicians and the electorate to work together conscientiously and peacefully to consolidate on the gains of the recent elections.
“Free and fair elections have come to stay; nothing else will be acceptable to our people,” he said.