Boko Haram: With God On Our Side, We’ll Overcome, Says Jonathan

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN (R) FORMER HEAD OF STATE, GEN YAKUBU GOWON AT THE CENTENARY INTERDENOMINATIONAL CHURCH SERVICE IN ABUJA ON SUNDAY (2/3/14).
PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN (R) FORMER HEAD OF STATE, GEN YAKUBU GOWON AT THE CENTENARY INTERDENOMINATIONAL CHURCH SERVICE IN ABUJA ON SUNDAY (2/3/14).

President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed optimism that Nigeria will be liberated and will surmount the challenges confronting her.

Speaking during the Centenary Inter-denominational Church Service at the National Ecumenical Center, Abuja on Sunday, the president stressed that the strength of the nation lies in its diversity.

He also defended the just concluded centenary celebration even as he urged Nigerians to turn a new leaf and begin to genuinely love one another.

Jonathan said: “If that civil war has separated us we won’t have been talking of centenary celebration. We are celebrating the centenary because some people worked together to continue to keep Nigeria one.

“Our strength as a nation lies in our diversity. Our hope lies in our unity of a greater Nigeria. Our faith remains resolute in a……..that Nigeria will certainly triumph despite these challenges that we are facing. We know that they are rough, the challenges real, but with God on our side, victory is sure and Nigeria will surely be liberated, by God’s grace”, he added.

Quoting Philippians 2:3, Jonathan admonished Nigerians to begin to love one another as themselves.

“As we round up our centenary celebration, I only have one appeal to make with all Nigerians. Few days ago, all our leaders gathered and the nation honoured them with their labour of love, I see a new Nigeria filled with love. I see a new Nigeria with great determination. I see a new Nigeria with passion. This is my faith and hope for a brighter future.

“I appeal to all of us to show love more then ever before to one another regardless of tribe, religion or race. Let us show love even when it hurts most. For our lives will be more fulfilling giving love to others”, he said.

Information Nigeria reports that the church service was attended by members of the Federal Executive Council, the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan; the president’s mother, Madam Eunice, Senate President, Senator David Mark; his wife, Helen, former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon and Head of the Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, among others.