Nigeria at 52: �Yes we can” � Jonathan, others say that Nigeria must succeed

Nigeria at 52: �Yes we can”

As it marks its 52 Independence anniversary from the colonial rule, the Commander in Chief of Arm Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Goodluck Jonathan has assured Nigerians that the nation must succeed against all odds.
The president gave this assurance at an interdenominational church service held to commemorate this year’s independence anniversary at the National Christian Centre, Abuja.

Jonathan said all hands must be on deck to move the nation forward, adding that the battle should not be left for him alone to fight, just as he expressed optimism that all the challenges currently confronting the nation would soon become history

The theme of the service was �The weapons of our warfare are not carnal.”

Jonathan said, �Leadership at all levels of government is a collective thing. One person cannot change a nation. The President, governors, lawmakers, members of the judiciary alone cannot do it.

�The leader matters but he cannot change things all alone. All Nigerians, men and women, will change things in the country.

�If God can use Nehemiah to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, in all arms of governments, I believe we have many Nehemiahs. There are many of them among teachers, artisans, and clergies.

�God will use these various Nehemiahs to rebuild this country. I can say again that Nigeria will succeed; with our cooperation we shall succeed!”

The president said that the only panacea to diseases, insecurity and other ills in the country is ceaseless and timeless intercession.

He averred that his administration had also been doing well in the economic sector, though it may not be obvious now.

While assuring that his government would ensure that its citizens are secured, Jonathan said he and his aides were working round the clock to revive the power.

Also earlier in his sermon at the service, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, described the radical Islamic sect, Boko Haram, as a terrorist organization.

The cleric said the group was founded and funded by some politicians who want to the nation to split.

He said, �Boko Haram is a terrorist organization; you and I know it. The activities of Boko Haram are not fueled by poverty but by a religious fundamentalist ideology.

�Boko Haram is funded from within by people who desire to use them to create political space for themselves and funded by those who want to see Nigeria divided along religious-ethnic lines.

�Boko Haram is also sustained by media apologists who feed the unsuspecting public with politically- incorrect half-truths.”

Oritsejafor warned that until Nigeria turns from its wicked ways, before God would bless and heal the land from every infirmity.

Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, in his speech called for a sober reflection and prayer for the nation to remain one.

He said, �Together we can rescue our nation from its present difficulties. Nigeria would have been worst of if not for prayers.

�We have a divine responsibility to pray for the peace of our land, a nation bombarded with multiplicity of challenges. I urge church leadership to put on the armour of prayer to seek divine intervention from God. We must begin the process of mobilization for prayers.”