President Goodluck Jonathan has acknowledged that God has made it possible for him to develop a bond with Nigerians even as he expressed gratitude for their support and understanding in the difficult periods the nationa has journeyed through.
He also acknowledged that he has been leading Nigeria through what he described as “uncommon challenges” in its march to progress as a united and democratic country.
Dr. Jonathan was speaking today at the Eagle Square, Abuja where he formally declared his intention to contest the 2015 Presidential election for his second term in office.
The President said that his stewardship has not been without challenges, saying that he had had to deal with the wave of insurgency that has swept through some parts of the country.
“Only yesterday, Government Science Secondary School in Yobe State was bombed by insurgents, killing our promising young children who were seeking education to build the country and support their parents. Many Nigerians have lost their lives and property to these mindless killings.
“Let me crave the indulgence of all present here to stand up to observe a minutes silence in honour of these young lads who lost their lives. Clearly, this has cast a dark cloud on our Nation but we will surely win the war against terror.
“A number of young men and women have been kidnapped by these criminal elements including our daughters from Chibok. We will free our daughters and defeat terror.”
President Jonathan assured that his government is equipping the armed forces and deploying special forces to engage the terrorist and end this senseless war.
“We must protect our country. We must save our people. I will do everything humanly possible to end this criminal violence in our Nation.”
To ensure the long term stability and development of the affected areas, he said, government has launched three programmes: The Presidential Initiative for the North East, the Victim Support Fund and the Safe School Initiative. The Presidential Initiative for the Northeast is focused on improving infrastructure and economic growth in the region.
“The Safe School Initiative is centred on creating a safe environment to encourage our children in the communities to acquire education. The Victim Support Fund, a partnership with the Private Sector, has raised about 60 billion Naira, which will help to empower and rehabilitate victims of terror.
“I promise the victims of these dastardly acts that we will continue to stand with you. I am grateful to all Nigerians for standing with us.”
President Jonathan thanked the leaders and elders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for the opportunity they have given to him to serve the country.
“I am overwhelmed by the trust, confidence and support of the various organs of our party, the Board of Trustees, the National Caucus, the National Executive Committee, the National Working Committee, the PDP Governors Forum, members of the PDP Caucuses of the National Assembly, and others.” [myad]
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