December 24, 2014 – President Goodluck Jonathan today called on Nigerians to offer special prayers for a greater manifestation of divine peace in Nigeria and the vanquishing of all demons of hatred, divisiveness and disunity from the country.
Jonathan who made the observation in his Christmas message to Nigerian called on politicians to eschew promotion of falsehood in their campaigns ahead of the 2015 general election but that the campaigns should be issue-based.
“Let us all be more statesman-like, conduct issues-based campaigns, and eschew the promotion of falsehood, division and hatred of others as we seek the votes of our countrymen in what should be a peaceful competition among contending points of view for the progress and development of our dear nation”, he said.
The President reassured the nation that his administration will give the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) all necessary support to ensure that it delivers very free, fair, credible and acceptable elections in 2015.
“National security agencies will also be given all necessary support to enhance their ability to ensure that the elections which should strengthen democracy in our country are peaceful and violence free”, he promised.
He called on Nigerians to remember and offer special prayers for all countrymen, women and children who have suffered and continue to suffer untold hardship, deprivation and death at the hands of terrorists and insurgents.
“Let us also continue to pray for our gallant soldiers and security agents who remain at the forefront of the national effort to overcome terrorism and violent extremism, even as the rest of the nation celebrates Christmas and the coming New Year.
“In this season of goodwill, I urge all patriotic Nigerians to rededicate themselves to doing all within their powers to support the brave men and women of our armed forces in the ongoing war against terrorism, and also support the Federal Government’s efforts to provide more succour to the hapless victims of terrorist atrocities”, he said.
