NIGERIA CAN’T BREAK UP AFTER 100 YEARS — JONATHAN

AFTER about 100 years of existence, the question of Nigeria breaking up as being suggested in some quarters cannot arise, according to President Goodluck Jonathan.

He made the assertion in Abuja, on Sunday, at the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration 2013 Inter-Denominational Church Service, at the National Christian Center, Abuja, with the theme: “Peace and Unity.”

The president stated that despite remarks from certain politicians propounding the disintegration of the country, Nigeria would remain one united nation, as he noted that only a mad couple divorces after 100 years of marriage.

Nigeria will mark the 100th anniversary of the amalgamation of Northern and Southern Nigeria next year.

However, the president pointed out that all hands needed to be on deck for the country to get to its desired destination, saying neither the government nor the citizens could do it alone.

He commended the Armed Forces and other security service for their selflessness, noting in spite of criticisms trailing some of their actions or perceived inactions, they were doing all within their powers to keep the nation one and in peace.

While noting that the best gift the country could give to them was support and prayers, President Jonathan stated: “Let me welcome you all to this special day that we are remembering those who worked for us, served us and paid the capital prize in a way of course they died  for us to live.

“Let me especially thank the armed forces because today is their day and also the police and other services. We sleep because they stay awake.

“In some cases where things happen, people blamed profusely but for those of us who get reports on daily happenings about such challenges, we know that these men and women have been doing very well.”

President Jonathan thanked them for their “gallantry, dedication to service, for the work they have been doing for us”  and also encouraged them to continue to do what they have been doing as he was confident that the country would get through her various challenges.

He added: “As we remember the work the Armed Forces and other security outfits have been doing, I think the best gift we can give to them as a people, is to pray for them and in our daily activities to preach peace, love and unity. Because if we love ourselves and we live in peace and emphasis more on the unity of this country,  some of our challenges we are having we probably may not have.

“But if our leaders at whatever level, whether political, community or religious, talk more about those things that divide us instead of those things that bring us together, then we will be encouraging the younger ones who know little or nothing about the history of this country to do things differently and sometimes conduct themselves in a way that is clearly anti social.”

Source: Tribune