Insecurity: Jonathan seeks clerics, politicians’ support

Posted by admin Goodluck Jonathan (2010-present), Presidency Thursday, March 15th, 2012

President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday sought the support of religious leaders and politicians as the country grapples with the problems of insecurity.

Jonathan made the call while receiving the report of the Federal Government delegation to the 2011 Christian Pilgrimage to Israel, Rome and Greece at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The report was presented to him by the National President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, who led the 11-man delegation.

Jonathan said, “In the light of the recent security challenges in parts of our country, I believe that now more than ever before, religious organisations have an obligation to function as proactive partners as we strive to entrench peace, unity, security, stability, progress and prosperity across our nation.

“They must become more actively involved in the process of properly educating and sensitising Nigerians to the imperative of collective commitment to building bridges of harmony and unity.

“I always maintain that our nation can only maintain the lofty height which the Almighty God has destined for us as a people, if the political leadership is guided by the ideals of justice, equity, selflessness and the fear of God.”

He commended the delegation for carrying out the assignment, promising that the government would consider their recommendations.

Oritsejafor said 17,543 pilgrims took part in the pilgrimage.

He, however, said despite the reduction in number of participants compared to that of the previous year, the exercise was a success.

The recommendations made by the body include a need for the early inauguration of the national delegation for planning and a need for the government to sign a bilateral agreement with Israel for a direct flight Nigeria to Israel.

The committee also recommended that the President should endeavour to participate in pilgrimage once in a year with Christian state governors to give a diplomatic weight to the exercise.

It was also recommended that the President should meet with Christian governors regularly to discuss faith-based issues.

-Punchwp_posts