President Goodluck Jonathan at the fourth presidential national prayer breakfast held inside the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, has vowed that all those who took part in the recent Nyanya bomb explosion that left about 86 persons dead must pay for their actions.
He said his prayers were with all the victims of the sect, Boko Haram, their families and loved ones across the country.
Jonathan said his government would continue to offer all assistance needed to support the families as security agencies were working hard to curtail the situation.
“Today, our prayers are with the victims of Boko Haram and their families and loved ones. The last tragedy of these heinous ideology occurred while we were preparing to mark the resurrection of our Lord at Easter, bringing sorrow to many families.
“The government is offering all assistance to support the affected families as the security agencies work tirelessly to unravel the scourge of this evil and to forestall further senseless desecration of our homeland.
“And of course, no matter what the government does, we cannot recover the dead but one thing we promise is that all those who took part in that act will surely pay for it,” he said.
The President said Nigerians needed to rely on God to pursue peace and overcome the enemies of the nation.
While thanking them for their prayers, Jonathan said Nigerians’ love for the country gives him hope and encouragement to do more for the good of Nigeria.
He said with the determination and commitment of all and with God on the side of the country, the nation would overcome its challenges which he described as temporary and ephemeral.
“I urge you not to relent in your prayers and dedication because overcoming the present challenges we face may look impossible with men, but with God, all things are possible.
“This is clearly seen in the scriptures and this is my article of faith. And of course, this is one of the things that make me smile whenever you see me.
“By the grace of the Almighty, Nigeria will overcome the evil of terrorism and with these strides of development which the country is undergoing in many sectors, we will not be slowed down.
“We must all increase our vigilance and alertness as well as cooperation and understating to our men in uniform who are at the forefront on our behalf. May god bless and protect them.
“Nigeria is our home and it cannot be abandoned to anyone else,” the President declared.
The President added that no criminal element would be able to stop the country from reaching its destination.
The President of Benin Republic, Boni Yayi, in his goodwill message asked God to forgive those who abducted schoolgirls in a school in Chibok, Borno State, saying they do not know the implication of their actions.
Yayi said his country, West Africa and Africa would always stand by Nigeria because the country has a divine mission in the sub-region and the continent.
While stressing the importance of peace and stability, the President said Nigeria did not need Boko Haram.
He asked God to touch the hearts of evil men in the country because nobody has the right to destroy what God had created.
The President’s Chaplain, Ven. Obioma Onwuzurumba, said the event was organised to thank God for His mercies for the present administration and ask for more grace for the tortuous journey ahead.
Onwuzurumba said although the administration has had rough path, God has been the nation’s helper.
He said he believed that with prayers, the country would not be afraid of giants on its way.
He said the country would not fail despite the activities of those who he said have constituted themselves into the enemies of the nation.
The Director-General of the National Institute for Transformation, Prof. Vincent Anigbogu, in his message described nation building as the toughest job in the world.
He said Nigeria was not the first and would not be the last nation to face tough times in their way of development.
Anigbogu also reminded Jonathan that many great leaders had faced similar challenges and overcame them, saying since such people succeeded, the President would succeed too.
He recalled that even Jesus Christ was threatened by Herod not only as a baby but also as an adult when he started his ministry.
He observed that inspite of the instability facing the country, Nigeria had made progress including the recent rebasing of the Gross Domestic Product.
With that development, he said it had become clear that Vision 20:2020 was attainable.
He also expressed delight in the convocation of the ongoing National Conference and expressed the belief that its outcome would move the nation forward.
He said, “Our response to enemies is to tell them that Nigeria must move forward. All great visions for Nigeria must move forward.
“The threat of Boko Haram shall be insignificant. If your (Jonathan’s) desire is to change this nation for better, God will honour it.
“Many great leaders like Nelson Mandela and others have faced similar challenges and overcame them. You are not alone sir, if they succeeded, you can succeed.
“During threat, we must focus on our goals. Don’t allow distractions. Nigeria must remain multi-lingual, multi-cultural and multi-religiou country.
“No single organisation can derail this country. We must arise during this season and be extraordinarily tough. Nigerians must be entrepreneurial in our thinking and be ready to find our ways to the top.”
The only bible lesson for the service was read from Luke 13:31-33 by the President’s wife, Patience.
The solemn assembly featured among others special prayers for the schoolgirls abducted in Chibok, Borno State, victims of the violence being unleashed by members of Boko Haram, the nation, the President and other leaders and special renditions by the choir.
Those in attendance included the President’s wife, Patience; his mother, Eunice; President of the Republic of Benin, Boni Yayi;Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State, Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibo State, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Pius Anyim, Ebonyi; co-Chairman of the National Conference, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi; members of the National Assembly, members of the Federal Executive Council, clergies and traditional rulers.
