Amidst the persistent crisis, bombing and other national issues facing Nigeria at the moment, President Goodluck Jonathan had assured Nigerians that he was prepared “to pay any price” to ensure that things work well in the country.
The president had further maintained that he will do his best possible to implement all his ongoing reforms in the most important sectors of the country’s economy.
The president made this assurance in a goodwill message he sent at the opening ceremony of the second plenary session of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) held at the Mater Dei Cathedral, Umuahia.
His message which was delivered by the minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, was indeed full of assurances for positive change in the country as Jonathan believed that efforts were being made towards transforming the nation.
While warning those against the ongoing reforms, Jonathan insisted that there was no going back on the privatization of the power sector, adding that “the transformation agenda has reached the point where everybody would be proud that reform has taken place.”
Goodluck Jonathan, expressed his appreciation over the invitation granted him by the CBCN in order to come and “share with them thoughts and vision that guide the nation in the search for development,” asserting that his administration was working towards restructuring the country,
He said he was not unaware of the different problems facing the nation that cuts across the youth and also the nation’s power sector, assuring that all that will be over soon.
Reflecting on the security challenges facing Nigeria and the rest of world today, Mr. President concluded that “human society today is far from attaining the City of God status as propounded by St Augustine of Hippo.
He further sought the support of the church to continue to pray for the nation as his administration was committed towards establishing a true democracy.
“This administration will always stand for the truth, peace and justice,” the President said. He quoted some passages from the Holy Bible as he urged Nigerians to learn to love one another and live in harmony in the pluralistic society.
The president of CBCN and Catholic Bishop of Jos Diocese, Most Rev Ignatius Kaigama, in his address called for peace in the country, stating that the crisis in the country had stretched more than necessary.
“The patience of Christians, especially in the North has been tried and tested for too long now. We ask that the reckless attacks on them and other innocent Nigerians be brought to a halt, through the proper use of security intelligence/expertise available to government and security agencies both within and beyond Nigeria,” he said.
He further affirmed that “ explosive devices have become like toys used at will and local and sophisticated arms escape our sea ports, land borders and find their way into the hands of criminals and hoodlums; it is a cause of very great concern,” the CBCN President said.
He further blamed the incessant killings on inflow of weapons into the country “most Nigerians wonder whether we are on top of the situation as usually claimed by government and security agencies”
In conclusion, Bishop Kaigama assured the president the church was committed to a united and peaceful Nigeria irrespective of the senseless killings, and assured that they will continue to pray for national peace and security.
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