The security challenge confronting the country calls for the support and prayers of all Nigerians for their leaders and not abuse, First Lady Patience Jonathan said on Tuesday.
She made the call while hosting children at the Banquet Hall of the State House, as part of the activities marking the 2014 Children’s Day celebration.
According to her, the two religions, Islam and Christianity preach respect for constituted authorities hence, the need for all Nigerians to respect their leaders and support them with prayers.
Mrs. Jonathan said, “It is bad to abuse our country and the President because God has made him the head.
The almighty God commands us to pray for our leaders. We therefore need to pray for the development of our country and the President.
“Remember that a child that abuses his father and mother is disobeying God’s commandment because the bible says in Exodus 20:12 that you should honour your father and mother so that you may live long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.
“The holy Bible is not referring to only biological parents. Any one that is older than you even for a day must be respected. Let us therefore join hands and rebuild our country Nigeria”.
The First Lady also called on Nigerians especially those carrying out protest on the abduction of over 200 school girls in Chibok, Borno State to focus on terrorists other than government for the release of the students.
She said further, “It is the right of every child to go to school. It is only through education that you can be able to achieve your dreams and contribute meaningfully to your community and the nation. We desire peace in our community, in our nation.
“I want you all to be ambassadors of peace in your schools and practice good manners. We have no other country than Nigeria. We therefore need to be patriotic and committed to our dear country. We should strengthen our covenant with our country as outlined in the National Pledge.
“Let us therefore be united in fighting terrorism. We should encourage our soldiers who are in the frontline to rescue our beloved daughters”.
Responding to the two letters presented to her for onward submission to President Jonathan and the leader of Boko Haram, the First Lady said, “Let me thank the children that gave me letter to give Boko Haram.
“Well, I have received your letter, but I’m not the one to give it to Boko Haram because I don’t know Boko Haram and I have never seen Boko Haram.
“But, I will give it to the Chief of Defence Staff who will submit your letter accordingly.
“To my children parliament, thank you for your letter. Thank you for your deliberation. I have received what you gave to me.
“I will make sure I pass it to the President because it is addressed to him and the other one is addressed to Boko Haram. That is why the two are different.”
The event was attended by the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Zainab Maina and women holding key positions in government.
