Terror: Don’t lose hope, Jonathan tells Nigerians

President Goodluck Jonathan has called on all Nigerians not to lose hope in the face of the terrorist activities in the country. Jonathan, who made the call Saturday in his message to the nation on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Fitri celebrations,acknowledged that the observance of this year’s Ramadan fast was “sadly tainted in parts […]

President Goodluck Jonathan has called on all Nigerians not to lose hope in the face of the terrorist activities in the country.

Jonathan, who made the call Saturday in his message to the nation on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Fitri celebrations,
acknowledged that the observance of this year’s Ramadan fast was “sadly tainted in parts of the country with the continuing atrocities of extremists and terrorists in our midst”.

The president, however, urged all patriotic Nigerians to remain strong and resolute in defence of freedom, unity, law and order as well as peace, security and progress of the country.

“I feel the pains and anguish of all our compatriots who have experienced the harrowing impact of terrorism unleashed on them by brainwashed and misguided agents of evil and disunity, but we must never throw up our hands in helplessness and despair as the terrorists and purveyors of anarchy want”, he said.

He also urged Nigerians to remain committed to showing solidarity with the security agencies and giving them the full support required to prosecute the war against terrorism to a successful conclusion.
 
He reassured all Nigerians that his government was totally committed to winning the terror war, “putting the scourge of terrorism and insecurity rapidly behind us and giving the fullest possible attention to the urgent task of improving the living conditions of our people in all parts of the country”.
 
He said his administration could not and would not be deterred from its goal of positively transforming Nigeria into a strong, united, progressive, stable, secure and prosperous nation where all citizens would live in peace in spite of the nation’s immense diversities.

Jonathan congratulated all Nigerians who had successfully undertaken the Ramadan fast, saying “it is my hope and prayer that as we celebrate Eid-el-Fitri, Ramadan’s spiritual lessons and the Holy Prophet’s  teachings of piety, love, justice, fairness, equity, peaceful co-existence with others, tolerance, honesty and dedication to duty would remain with us all for the benefit and greater glory of our dear nation.
 
“May the lessons and blessings of the Holy Month also permeate into us all, and positively influence our attitudes towards our fellow countrymen and women, irrespective of their religion or places of origin; and promote greater commitment to the peace, unity and stability of the nation…May Almighty Allah continue to bless our nation and all who have successfully undertaken this year’s Ramadan fast. I wish you all happy and peaceful Eid-el-Fitri celebrations”.