Nigerians must stand as one to condemn violence -President Jonathan

President Jonathan says Nigerians must stand together as one.

Nigerians must stand as one to condemn violence – President Jonathan
Ugo Okoro, Gloria Essien, Lawan Hamidu and Godwin Ukaa, Abuja

The Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, has condemned the Christmas Day bomb blasts at the St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Madalla, Niger State; Damaturu in Yobe State and Jos in Plateau state, saying “These acts of violence against innocent citizens are an unwarranted affront on our collective safety and freedom".

In a statement he added that “Nigerians must stand as one to condemn them.”

President Jonathan, offered his condolences to those who lost their loved ones to the attacks.

“I ask God, in His infinite mercies, to grant these innocent souls eternal rest, and give their families the fortitude to bear this painful loss,”.“

He made a promise." I want to reassure all Nigerians that Government will not relent in its determination to bring to justice all the perpetrators of today’s acts of violence and all others before now,” the President said.

Also, President Goodluck Jonathan says the challenges facing the country are not insurmountable.
He was speaking at the Christmas Day Service at the Cathedral Church of the Advent, in Abuja.

He said that most of the challenges Nigerians face now was as a result of the people and government not doing things right.

The president also used the opportunity to thank the citizens for their continued prayers and wished all and sundry, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year.

In his sermon,titled, "Emmanuel: God with us" the Primate of All Nigeria and Bishop of Abuja Diocese, the Most Revd. Nicholas Okoh, urged Nigerians to reconnect with the people around them and to embrace peace.

Meanwhile, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, has condemned the bombing which killed some worshipers at Saint Theresa Catholic Church in Madalla in Niger State, a boundary community to the Federal Capital Territory.

The Territory’s Minister, Senator Mohammed enjoined Christians to pray for the nation as well as its leadership, for God to continue to guide, protect and give the President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan the strength and the wisdom to judiciously implement the transformation agenda of Government.

He urged Christians in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja urged to use the occasion of Christmas to reflect on the life of Jesus Christ and imbibe his teachings which are based on selflessness, sacrifice, patience, modesty and spirituality.

He noted that the duo celebrations of Christmas and New Year call for sober reflection and spiritual rejuvenation as Jesus Christ lived his life for the entire mankind.

Senator Bala Mohammed admonished Christians to imbibe the spirit of Christmas and reflect in our daily lives in order to move the country forward.

Meanwhile, the Vice President Namadi Sambo has rejoiced with the Christian community and all Nigerians on the occasion of the celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ.

In a statement signed by his Special Assistant on media and Publicity Umar Sani, Vice President Sambo enjoins all citizens to be steadfast, prayerful and to have the fear of God in their minds.

He also enjoins the citizens to be security conscious and drive safely as the country needs all of us to contribute our quota towards our intended destination.

The Vice President also enjoins the citizenry to appreciate the significance of this festive period by imbibing the teachings and practices of Jesus Christ.

Accordingly, he called on the citizens to continue to live in peace and harmony and to emulate the virtues and exemplary life bequeathed to us by Jesus Christ for the good of all.

Ugo