President Goodluck Jonathan on Sunday said those behind the violence in the country were planning to bring down his government.
Jonathan, at the 2014 Democracy Day Interdenominational Church Service with the theme “Love The Lord…and your Neighbour” in Abuja, described them as evil forces.
Terror attacks by Boko Haram in some parts of the North, especially the North-East, have led to the death of thousands of people. On April 14, 2014, the sect abducted more than 200 girls from a government college in Chibok, Borno State, a development that brought global attention to the terrorist activities in the country.
In Benue State, there have been clashes between the Tiv and Fulani cattle rustlers that have led to bloodshed. Six days ago, suicide bombers struck in Jos, Plateau State, killing over 15o people and on Saturday night another bomber visited mayhem on football fans in the city.
During the service, Jonathan, who touched on several national issues, said despite the security challenges, Nigeria would continue to move forward.
He said, “You can imagine if this government had not been facing these distractions within this period, definitely, we would have moved farther than this.
“All these distractions are planned to bring this government down and since they failed, terror will also fail.
“We have been witnessing terror attacks for two years plus, but the Chibok incident has added a major dent on the security of the country. There is nothing God cannot do. With your prayers, our girls will be seen by our security personnel, “he said.
“Terror will not stop this country from progressing. We know that these terrorists are human and they are evil men. Definitely, they are among those we categorise as evil forces.
“Forces of evil will never prevail. Forces of darkness will never prevail. I call on all Nigerians, Christians and non-Christians who pray, to continue to pray and I believe that God is on our side. Forces of evil and darkness will never prevail.”
Jonathan admitted that the April 14 abduction of schoolgirls by Boko Haram in Chibok, Borno State was a major dent on the nation’s security.
The President also assured Nigerians that despite the security challenges, elections would hold next year as scheduled.
He explained that one of the beauties of democracy which the nation has been practising for 15 years was that every public office holder knows the terminal date of his administration.
Jonathan said despite the problems associated with democracy, it remained the best form of government.
He however posited that four or even 10 years were not enough to develop a nation because nation-building is a continuous process.
The President also said that the revamping of the rail sector, the privatisation of the power sector, the housing sector, industrial development, the remodeling of the airports and the reforms in the agricultural sector among others were clear signs that his transformation promises were not mere political promises.
While pointing to the successful hosting of the World Economic Forum for Africa, Jonathan said Nigeria under his leadership would have gone farther but for the challenges his government was facing.
He recalled that some forces wanted to frustrate the WEFA by detonating bombs in Nyanya, a satellite town near Abuja.
Jonathan reiterated his position that if not for prayers by Nigerians, the security challenges in the country would have been worse.
He said, “After today, the next Democracy Day will witness a new government.
“I remember when I was in my village to collect my permanent voter card , a pressman asked me if there would be elections in Nigeria and I told him ‘yes.’
“This country will continue to move on in spite of some of the setbacks we are witnessing. “
Quoting from the Holy Bible, the President said nothing could separate Nigerians from the love of God because forces of retrogression had always remained part of human history.
He added, “In human history, either individuals or societies, they are always confronted with two forces- the forces of development and forces of retrogression. They call the later evil forces.
“Our country is facing the challenges of some of these forces, the evil forces. I really do not want to celebrate them because surely,we will get over them.
“You will agree with me that within these three years of this government, our agenda for transformation is coming out.
“We have not reached where we want to go but there are certain signs that people will use to know whether government is committed or is deceiving.”
On national development, he said, “Definitely, we cannot build a nation in three years. This government is three years old. By May 29 next year, we would have completed our four years.
“Four years, even 10 years are not enough. Nation building is a continuous process. The most important thing is to start very well and continue to do things very well.”
Pastor Goodheart Ekwueme in his sermon taken from Esther 4:13-17 assured Nigerians that a new nation beckons.
Ekwueme likened the violence in some parts of the county and other social ills to birth pains that a woman undergoes before giving birth to a child.
He said, “The present situation in the country is just an indication of birth pains, we will go through the storms and a new Nigeria of our dreams and aspiration will soon be born.
“A Nigeria where there will be justice and equity will evolve. A new Nigeria where corruption will become exemption rather than the rule will evolve; a county where every citizen will have a sense of belonging will evolve.
“When a child is born, the mother forgets the birth pains. So shall it be in Nigeria soon.
“Such a new Nigeria is about to emerge. It will emerge in spite of the chaos and violence that is presently ravaging our streets, in spite of the naked image of the nation at the global stage, I believe the new Nigeria will emerge.
“The noise will come to an end. Let the new Nigeria evolve.”
Ekwueme said although this was a defining moment in the history of the nation, it could also be a period of great opportunity if perceived right.
He said Nigerians must be ready to rise beyond their ashes and move to the glory prepared for them by God.
He said corruption, among other social ills, must no longer be accepted as the rule but an exemption to the rule in the country.
The first reading for the service was taken by a representative of the judiciary from Genesis 11:1-6 while the President of the Senate, David Mark took the second reading from Luke 10:25-37.
At the well-attended service, special prayers were rendered for the successful search and release of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls by three pupils selected from three schools in Abuja.
Prayers were also offered for the victims and families of recent bomb blasts by Boko Haram, the nation’s security, peace and development, for the President and his family, the three arms of government as well as the church.
The service also featured praise and worship sessions as well as special songs rendered by the Christian Association of Nigeria Mass Choir, the National Security and Civil Defence Corps Band and pupils of some selected schools in Abuja.
It was attended by the President’s wife, Patience; his mother, Eunice; the Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu; the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha; and former Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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See the list, are they not all rich people ? Thieves too are going to church to read the bible.....Fotget it..God will judge you all, I just pity ur generation. Continue to merry but remember one day we will all die.
ReplyDeleteU r an ignorant being. Ppl shud nt go 2 church again? Ur set of Nigerians r persimistic.
ReplyDeleteWhy did GEJ normally use the church to address a country that's heavily divided along religion and ethnic lines? Is he stupid or completely naïve?truly he is highly incompetent
ReplyDeleteBecause he is weak, thats why he hides behind the church. Its about time we separate religion from politics. Jonathan is the one bringing down is government for not being man enough to stand up against corruption and insurgency. Prayer without action is nothing.
Delete@Layo I agree with you. He is not only weak but incompetent and the office he occupies is too big for him and he can not rise up to it evidence in the fact that after more than 3 years, he has failed to rise up to it. How many years of probation does one need to learn on a job?! His incompetence precludes him from seeing that there is utterly no need for him to divide Nigeria on religious lines. Dividing Nigeria on religious line is a game he and his strategist understand well, knowing how gullible Nigerians can be when it comes to religion. Hence his kneeling down and bowing (beginning of the downward journey of Nigeria) before Pastor Adeboye, a man, human flesh, in full glare of world view!!! Even the most enlightened born again Nigerians could not see the absolute wrongness of this foolishness. Jonathan won the votes on that but he can not do the job. Solution? Let him just go, and immediately too, to reduce Nigeria being subjected to further odium.
DeleteYou will die in your hatred. Am sure if you are the person in position you will steal worse than them. What happened to the generation of other presidents that stole so much. God's judgement will come upon all of you in the opposition and BH members. We will continue to pray and God will phase all of you out.
ReplyDeleteHmmmm!, see who does'nt hate but can raised curses on anyone that does not agree with him, dont you know an opposition is vis-a-vis?(A ruling party is an opposition in another state) so your "wishes" is also applied to whom you supported too instead, why cant you direct your prayers against corrupt politicians(from your party and oppostion) Nigerians, let be objective for once!!!!
DeleteIs not about people are planning to bring down your government,do something,you know this people why don't you confront them because you are after own interest too,president,is either you bring those people to book or maybe you have something that they know about you that you are scared they will expose
ReplyDelete@anonymous, GEJ is not highly incompetent, he's a Christian and a president at same time, you don't expect him to go for service and not say one or two things. but I know it pains your stomach because he's a Christian, you can go hug a transformer if the pain is unbearable! @the first stupid anonymous, should the president and first family not go to church again because u hate them, you are very insignificant and no one knows you, your hate means nothing to GEJ and you and your entire generation will die in penury since you hate merriment. Tell me this, which of the past Nigerian president is poor or living below average after ruling Nigeria? So why is GEJ's own going to be different? oh.... I know the answer, because he's a Christian and he's from Niger Delta where they have abundant oil, therefore he's suppose to live poor! stupid idiot.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure I understand what you are trying to say, are all these insults and aspersions excuses for bad leadership or what?
DeleteOK, Nigerians have been praying? It is the prayers of we Nigerian that have made things not to get worse. Fine, can you, Mr Jonathan now go to work and do your own bit to make things much better by taking the needed practical steps. Doing this will convince us that you are indeed a serious president with some balls. Goodluck!
ReplyDeleteA fool is always a fool,this is the same man that publicly said he dine&wine on the same table with boko haram member,yet the fool is here complianing of the same people of bringing down his goverment. It‘s obvious gej is inexperience and incompetent to be a leader and instead of him (gej) to admit to the fact that he is a complete dispointment and a failure rather he is here talking “BULLSHIT“ just to get public simpathy. What a crying baby!
ReplyDeleteMr President is always clutching at straw! He never takes responsibility for anything, it is always the fault of someone else.
ReplyDeleteA mentality of self denial and a refusal to take responsibility is not the mark of a leader sir. Please improve or resign for Nigeria to make progress.
God bless Nigeria.
You said that because u are the one who cost all this problem in this country no job, marketers in problem u see many Igbo in north east are ple to there city's because of violence .the question is that who is the Nigeria President? security in your handhand so why complaineaine
ReplyDeleteGood morning Oga Jona na now u just dey wake up, saying pple are trying to bring down your government. Is it now that u are realising that? What a pity.
ReplyDeleteIf some pple are trying to bring down your government then take action against them or they are more powerful than you the Commander in Chief of Nigeria, what are the DSS, SSS and other security operative u have at your disposal doing.
Expecting you to take action against those working against you govt it too much a task for you, years after the PMS subsidy issue u have not being able to expose the "cabal" that was behind it, so I'm not surprised that u can't expose those pple that u claim are trying to bring down your govt.
Why is it that it is only in church that we get to hear our president speak on national issue in Nigeria? When bomb blasts/ disaster occur in any part of nigeria oga jona speaks only through his aids.
May God help this country and deliver us from this very slow, corrupt and incompetent man.
But I think the guy is not slow or incompetent he knows what he is doing all na plan to run this great country down.
All these GEJ supporters, one of 2 things will happen 2 u people eventually, by d time u people will realise he is hopeless, u will either b refugees or dead men. That man is incompetent as a president, finish.
ReplyDeleteWhich govt.,up till now jonathan still dont know his problem.his wife is even the president.wake to your task you will see that you have no problem.instead of correcting your weakness,you are busy blaming the opposition.lets leave the issue of tribalism, you have every military apparatus but cannot fight boko haram,how many militant were killed by yara dua that you are now playing politics with lives of northern people.dull president
ReplyDeletePls our President GEJ has missions and vissions for Nigerians one of them is to divide Nigeria and cause problems for people but I know God Almighty knows in and out of GEJ, God will definately rescure Nigerians. Instead of GEJ to find solutions to problems, he will be accusing other parties for not wanting him to be successful and wants to turn Nigeria to one party system. Any person, President, past or present that wants to cause problems for Nigerians, the judgement of God on ABACHA will be done on that person without delay, amen.
ReplyDelete