President Goodluck Jonathan has called on Muslims and Christians to close ranks so as to stop the Nigerian elites from further exploiting our diversity for selfish gains.
The President was speaking on Thursday, when a delegation of the Muslim Community in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) led by Vice President Namadi Sambo, paid him Salah homage at his residence.
Also on the delegation were the Minister of FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed, Minister of State, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, Ministers of Natioanl Planning, Senators and House of Representatives members from FCT, Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Saad Ibrahim, Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, Dr Ahmadu Ali, among others
He noted that for long, Nigerian elites have exploit religious differences to divide the country, saying it was high time they forge a common front for the progress of the country.
“For us, we cannot imagine a Nigerian without Muslims and Christians; you can call it another name, but not Nigeria. So, it is a blessing that this is one country hat you have significant population of Muslims and Christians and this religious diversity will enhance our development because we can get across the whole world wherever we go we are accepted.
“That helps us in so many ways. We are not even exploiting our diversity because of the myopic views of the elites about our situations. Christians and Muslims are brothers and sisters and we must live together. Today is a unique day, and I urge our Muslim brothers and sisters that they should continue to pray for peace not just in Nigeria but all over the world.
“If you watch television these days, more than 60 percent of the time is spent on showing crises all over the world and for the world to move ahead and for Nigeria to move ahead, for us to develop first and foremost, there must be peace and security, nobody will come and invest in an environment where you are not sure of your workers and investment.
“As a nation, for our children to get where we want them to be, we must create a very peaceful environment for them so they can develop mentally and be focused and use their brains in a manner that will economic changes to us.
While congratulating the Muslim community, President Jonathan used “this opportunity once again to reassure Nigerians including Muslim brothers and sisters that the Vice President and myself and our entire team will do our best to reposition the country.
“Sometimes when you are not involved in fasting you will think it is an easy thing to go through. My trousers are just pulling out from my waist. So, you should know that it is not easy to forego food for a reasonable within 24 hours of the day. For you to have gone through this spiritual exercise is worth congratulations. So, I congratulate you,” he said.
Speaking earlier, Vice President Namadi Sambo, thanked the President for what he has been doing for the country, saying they would continue to pray for his administration.
“We pray for peace, for God to grant you good health and wisdom and the grace to transform Nigeria to a better country. We appreciate your fatherly nature, you have been a teacher, you have been a father and a good leader”.
