You must live with bombing, Jonathan tells Nigerians

Details: Category: Opinions/Interviews; Published on Monday, 26 December 2011 20:24; Written by Admin; Hits: 1564

President Goodluck Jonathan once again demonstrated his cluelessness yesterday by telling Nigerians that bombing in the country is a burden they must live with until it fizzles out.

“The issue of bombing is one of the burdens we must live with. It will not last forever; I believe that it will surely be over,” he said when he received in audience a delegation of the Christian Community in FCT led by FCT Minister Bala Mohammed.

In a statement in Abuja later yesterday, the president condemned the blasts at the St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla, Niger State; Jos, Plateau State; and Damaturu, Yobe State.

“These acts of violence against innocent citizens are an unwarranted affront on our collective safety and freedom,” the President said in a statement by his spokesman Reuben Abati. “Nigerians must stand as one to condemn them.”

He added: “I want to reassure all Nigerians that Government will not relent in its determination to bring to justice all the perpetrators of today’s acts of violence and all others before now.”

Also, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has urged Nigerians to eschew violence and work towards building bridges of understanding.

In a message of condolence to the victims of the Christmas Day blasts, through his spokesman Imam Imam, the speaker said the cases of insecurity witnessed in various parts of the country would soon be a thing of the past.

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He said the House of Representatives, will work closely with other arms of government to ensure that the country is more secured in the future.

The PDP also yesterday condemned the spate of bombings that claimed several lives before and during this period of Christmas celebrations.

The party, though its National Publicity Secretary, regretted the loss of lives and properties in what it called ‘senseless carnage which no doubt has brought untold hardship, pain and sorrow to all the people affected during this period that Nigerians are suppose to celebrate Christmas’.

Official speech through Abati

President Goodluck Jonathan has condemned the blasts at the St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla, Niger State; Jos, Plateau State; and Damaturu, Yobe State, saying the bombing of innocent citizens on a day millions of people all over the World are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ is a dastardly act that must attract the rebuke of all peace-loving Nigerians.

“These acts of violence against innocent citizens are an unwarranted affront on our collective safety and freedom,” the President said in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, adding that “Nigerians must stand as one to condemn them.”

President Jonathan, the statement said, expressed his heartfelt condolences to the Churches and families who lost their loved ones to the attacks. “I ask God, in His infinite mercies, to grant these innocent souls eternal rest, and give their families the fortitude to bear this painful loss,” he said.

Regretting that the unfortunate incidents had spoiled the celebratory mood across the land, the President assured Nigerians that his government remained resolute in resolving the security challenges that confront the nation.

“I want to reassure all Nigerians that Government will not relent in its determination to bring to justice all the perpetrators of today’s acts of violence and all others before now,” the President said.

Reuben Abati, Ph.D.
Special Adviser to the President (Media and Publicity)

December 25, 2011