My Focus Is To Keep Nigeria A United Country – Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan weekend reaffirmed his resolve to remain focused and keep the country a united and indivisible entity despite the campaign of calumny against his administration. Dr Jonathan made the bow before a multitude of crowd in Yenagoa at the 2nd Bayelsa Thanksgiving Day anniversary. Represented by the Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Capt Caleb Olubolade (rtd) President Jonathan said his resolve is based on the belief that his Presidency was borne under the banner of God and made through a free and fair election. He said, “On my part as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I will remain committed and focused to keeping Nigeria united and peaceful under the banner of God who made it possible for me to be here as your elected President in that free and fair election.” The President noted that the people must show gratitude to God for the peace being enjoyed in the country, despite what he described as a few distractions. Jonathan asked the people to support the successes noticed in the transformation agenda of the present administration at the state and federal levels. The President who hailed the state governor for his leadership and initiative for instituting a thanksgiving day in the state, emphasized the need to thank God at all levels of government for His divine protection and guidance as they strive to bring about peace, development and prosperity. “With what the state government is doing in terms of projects and programmes, the government is keying into the transformation agenda of the federal government which, I believe the benefits of these will definitely turn things around quickly for the better.” Earlier in his remark, the Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson called for active participation in the celebration of the Thanksgiving Day, stating that the event is for every Bayelsan within and outside the country. Dickson who expressed appreciation to the people of the state for their show of support particularly the youths, whom he observed had not disrupted any on-going projects in the state. According to him, the existing peace is also attributable to the efforts of traditional rulers, security and the unity among the three arms of government. He said, “I can bear testimony to God’s abiding mercies and blessings upon this land. You are all aware of what is going on and our state is on a new page of hope. ” In spite of the numerous projects going on across the nooks and crannies of our State, I have never heard of any serious disturbance from any community that has led to any stoppage of work. And that is testimony to the goodness of God and to the peace, stability and development and therefore prosperity that has come to reign in all the parts of our state.. In a message, the Guest speaker, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, stressed the need for people to always appreciate God’s blessings irrespective of their challenges as they are stepping stones in life. Commenting on the attitude of Nigerians towards thanksgiving, Rev. Dr. Ukpai noted that, most people are not given to such disposition but rather find faults in almost everything.”