President Goodluck Jonathan Saturday assured the nation that members of the dreaded Islamist sect, Boko Haram would be made to pay for the pains they have caused Nigerians.
Speaking at the 4th annual Presidential breakfast prayer held at the State House Banquet Hall, Jonathan insisted the insurgents must pay for their crimes.
According to him, the breakfast prayer was organised specifically for the victims of Boko Haram attacks across the country.
He said, “No matter what government does, we cannot recover the dead, but our promise is that all those who took part in that will pay dearly for it,” he said.
“Today our prayers are with the victims of Boko Haram and their families and loved ones. The last tragedy of these heinous ideology occurred while we were preparing to mark the resurrection of our Lord at Easter bringing sorrow to many families.
The government is offering all assistance to support the affected families as the security agencies work tirelessly to unravel the source of this evil and to forestall further senseless desecration of our homeland.
“And of course, no matter what the government does, we cannot recover the dead but one thing we promise is that all those who took part in that act will surely pay for it. We must all come together and have faith to combat the ignorance and intolerance of criminals”.
“Your love for our country gives me hope and encouragement to do more for the good of our country. I urge you not to relent in your prayers and dedication because overcoming the present challenges we face may look impossible with men, but with God all things are possible.
“This is clearly seen in the scriptures and this is my article of faith. And of course, this is one of the things that make me smile whenever you see me.
“By the grace of the almighty, Nigeria will overcome the evil of terrorism and with these strides of development which the country is undergoing in many sectors, we will not be slowed down. We must all increase our vigilance and alertness as well as cooperation and understating to our men in uniform who are at the forefront on our behalf.”
Venerable Obioma Onwuizurumba, chaplain of the Aso Rock chapel while welcoming the guests said the breakfast was organised to celebrate Easter, the goodness of past years and ask God for more grace for the country ahead.
He said the present administration of President Jonathan had passed through difficult times.
First Lady Dame Patience, read the only scripture from the book of Luke 13:31-33.
Professor Vincent Anigbogu- director general of the national institute for transformation and guest speaker at the event, urged Jonathan not to be distracted by the prevailing threats to nation-building.
“All great visions for Nigeria must move forward; the threat of Boko Haram shall be insignificant. If you desire is to change this nation for better, God will honour it”, he told the President.
Anigbogu noted that Nigeria was neither the first nor would it be the last country to face tough times, as nation building was the toughest job in the world.
“Many leaders faced similar challenges and overcame them, he noted and declared that “you are not alone Sir, if they succeeded you can succeed.
“During threats we must focus on our goals. Don’t allow distraction. Nigeria must remain a multi-lingual, multi-cultural and multi-religious country. No single organisation can derail this country. We must arise during this season and be extraordinarily tough”, he added.
President of the Republic of Benin, Boni Yayi, gave a goodwill message at the event, saying his country, West Africa and Africa will always stand by Nigeria because the country has a Divine mission in the sub region.
Present at the event were Governors of Anambra Willie Obiano, Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom, mother of the President, mama Eunice, secretary to the government of the federation, Ayim Pius Ayim, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, members of the National Assembly, cabinet members and traditional ruler.
