Speaking at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), Area1, Abuja, where he observed his first Sunday Service of the year, he said that such noisy political environment goes with democracy.
He pointed out that the United States of America with many years of democratic governance not quite long ago also had its own noisy political tension during its elections.
Stressing that there is no cause for alarm, he said that his administration will continue to take steps to improve the quality of lives of Nigerians.
He said: “I’m not going to read a speech because I avoid making speeches this time around so that I will not be misinterpreted. We are quite please to be with you today. We have enjoyed your approach to worship. Let me again thank the new incoming President, Rev. Datiri for the sermon.”
“I will not bore you, but let me reassure you again that myself and those who have been elected this period, that the political environment are always noisy all over the world. There is nowhere you won’t hear so much noise.”
“Even the United States of America, not long ago, the country was almost shut down. For so many months people were worried that the country that has practiced democracy for so many years could get to that situation. But that is politics for you.”
“But let me reassure you that we will continue to work harder to improve the quality of lives of Nigerians. …..anything you start, there is always a time. If you want to build a single storey building, it must take you some time to build. We are building one small mini private banquet for the President in the State House…. with a great company like Julius Berger what we thought will take six months is getting two years.” He added
He assured the congregation that his administration is fully committed to tackling the challenges facing it.
Specifically speaking on the act of terrorism in the northern part of the country, he insisted that the Islamic sec, Boko Haram will be overcome and will soon be a history in Nigeria.
Jonathan said: “We are particularly committed to know where our challenges are, especially in some parts of the north, we are quite pleased with the measures from the outgoing President and the measures of the incoming President concerning Boko Haram,… we sympathize with those who have been affected by the executions.”
“Boko Haram is temporary, Boko Haram will surely go. A number of countries are facing similar challenges and some have been able to overcome it and surely we will overcome Boko Haram. Life in the north must change; development must go to all parts of this country.”
Maintaining that nobody or group can hold Nigeria to ransom, he said: “We will collectively liberate this country from the hands of any evil person, so that we can leave behind a Nigeria that our children and grandchildren will be proud of.”
Delivering Pastoral Greetings to the congregation, the new President of COCIN, Rev. Dr. Dachollom Datiri noted that the church has suffered greatly from Boko Haram attacks in its branches in the North East.
He however commended the President for declaring State of Emergency in the three northern states of Yobe, Borno and Adamawa, which he said has checked the activities of the insurgents.
Datiri also commended the President for being able to ensure constant supply of petroleum products in the country in the past two years and the recently called off strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) as he hoped that 2014 will be strike-free.
“Your transformation agenda is loveable and commendable. You are always in church and God will never forget you. When a leader puts the things of God first, all other things shall be added unto him.” He said
Noting that the storms towards the 2015 election are man-made, he prayed that they will soon be over and that no evil plan will succeed in Nigeria.
“COCIN is ever thankful to God for giving you to Nigeria, COCIN members despite political affiliations will support you.” He added
In his sermon titled ‘Usefulness’, he said that no individual can claim to be know the will of God without first being useful or fruitful or productive.
Taking the congregation through 2nd Timothy 2: 14-26, Ephesians 2: 10, 2nd Corinthians 9:8, 2nd Timothy 3: 17, he said that there are some milestones to be scaled before a believer can be useful to God.
The milestones, he said, included doctrinal integrity, moral purity, spiritual maturity and personal geniality.
The Minister of Water Resource, Sarah Ochekpe took the first reading from the 2nd Timothy 2: 14-26.
Among those who attended the service yesterday are the President’s mother, Eunice Jonathan,
President’s Chief of Staff, Mike Ogiadhome, Police Affairs Minister, Caleb Olubolade, and Minister of State (FCT), Olajumoke Akinjide. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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