- Tightens Security Ahead of Inauguration
- More Heads of Government Arrive
Ahead of today’s swearing-in ceremony, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday pledged to use his four-year term to provide Nigerians good governances based on the fear of God, saying it is the only thing he can do to immortalize those who lost their lives in the post-election violence.
He said, “The government I would lead owes Nigerians good governance, based on the fear of God. That is the only thing we can do to atone for the great loss this country witnessed. I therefore appeal to our religious leaders to continue to pray for us because no matter how committed you are as an individual, if God does not touch all of us who are to run the affairs of the country, then we cannot go anywhere.”
He made the pledge yesterday in his remarks during the Presidential Inauguration Thanksgiving Service held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja.
He said, “Today, I’m convinced that with these elections our democracy has been solidly established in this country. Though we know during the elections lives were lost, properties destroyed in an election that was described as free and fair by both local and international observers. We regret the loss of lives and the destruction of properties; we pray that God should console the individuals and the bereaved families.
The President said his election was in answer to the prayers, some of which were said at the venue of the thanksgiving before the election, and appealed to religious leaders to continue to pray for the leadership, saying “no matter how committed you are as an individual if God does not touch all of us who are to run the affairs of the country then we cannot go anywhere?”
He noted that the free and fair April general elections had solidified democracy in the country and said that has dovetail into the transformational journey the country has started witnessing under his Presidency.
He said, “That everything is working is a clear indication that transformation has started. Let us use this opportunity to ask ourselves what we should do as individuals, as Nigerians for this transformation to be consolidated.
“I believe one thing is for us to reflect on our value system, the fear of God, respect for our elders, respect for our clergy men and women, hard work, honesty and to love our neighbours. With love, peace and unity Nigeria’s greatness is assured,” he declared.
Jonathan was confident that the country was up for great things as it prepares for its centenary celebrations stating: “I believe this decade is Nigeria’s decade, is a decade we celebrate our glorious jubilee, 50th anniversary of Nigeria’s stock exchange, we recorded free, fair and credible elections, is the decade the Lord has made.
“I plead with you to pray for me as I said before, pray for all of us who the Lord has given the privilege to run the affairs of the country both at the executive, legislature and judiciary because I on my own cannot manage the affairs of this country, only God can make it possible.”
Also speaking, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oristejafor, reprimanded politicians for resorting to diabolical power in their bid to capture political positions, saying that the end of such politicians was near.
The religious leader, who noted that the cost of running the country was too high, appealed to members of the National Assembly to do something about it, even as he observed that the controversy over N18,000 minimum was unnecessary as the amount was meager.
Oritsejaor pointed out that he observed that Nigerians were willing to undergo any sacrifice for the sake of the country, as long as leaders led by example
He urged Jonathan not to depend on human beings, but on God, in his assignment of providing leadership for the country, saying that God would be with him.
Former Heads of State Yakubu Gowon, Ernest Shonekan and Olusegun Obasanjo were among the dignitaries that witnessed the event.
However, security was yesterday beefed up in major areas in Abuja. Sunday Trust gathered that all roads leading to the Eagle Square, venue of the Presidential Inauguration ceremony, had been cordoned off to.
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