President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday promised that the “evil machinations” of terrorists and their allies were not capable of distracting him from successfully implementing his administration’s transformation agenda.
He said he would continue to count on the support and prayers of Nigerians in his government’s bid to achieve peace, harmony, progress and prosperity in the country.
Jonathan said these in his Easter message to Nigerians made available to journalists by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati.
The President said although his administration had made notable progress in achieving sustained development, he would not rest on his oars.
He said, “My belief in our ability to overcome all retrogressive and divisive forces in our midst and build a strong, united and prosperous nation by turning our unique diversity into a source of strength remains unshaken and we will continue to work with all interest groups and stakeholders in the country to achieve 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 and achieve sustained development.
“We have made notable advances in this regard. As a result of our efforts and those of previous administrations, the Nigeria economy is now the largest in Africa and the 26th largest in the world.
“But we cannot afford to rest on our oars. Much remains to be done and we will continue to count on the patriotic support of all Nigerians as we strive to achieve more inclusive economic growth, generate more national wealth and create more employment opportunities to meet the demands of our increasingly youthful population.”
He urged Nigerians, as they celebrate Easter, to reflect on the significance of its lessons of piety, obedience to higher authorities, self sacrifice for the good of others, redemption, salvation, deliverance, renewal and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
According to the President, these lessons of Easter and other injunctions on brotherly love, peaceful co-existence, tolerance, honesty, humility, justice, equity and fairness to all without discrimination contained in the Gospels are of particular importance to Nigerians as they continue to contend with the challenges of nation-building and development.
He urged them to renew their faith and confidence in their ability as a people to overcome all obstacles, challenges and threats to national progress and well-being, including terrorism and other criminal attacks in some parts of the country.
Also, the Senate President, David Mark; his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu; and the Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Senator Bukola Saraki in their separate Easter messages on Saturday, canvassed team work to tackle insecurity in order to achieve peace and love in the country.
Mark in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Paul Mumeh, cautioned against politicising the current insecurity in the north-eastern part of Nigeria.
Ekweremadu, whose statement was signed by his Special Adviser on media, and Publicity, Mr. Uche Anichukwu, called on Nigerians to imbibe the lessons of forgiveness and love inherent in Easter.
Saraki in a statement signed by his media aide, Bankole Omishore, congratulated all Christians as they celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
He said, “Beyond this celebration, let the message of selflessness and unconditional love as being preached and demonstrated by Jesus Christ, reflect in our lives particularly at this point when our nation is been faced with daunting challenges.”