Jonathan: Ceasefire will bring lasting peace

President Goodluck Jonathan believes that the truce reached with Boko Haram will lead to a lasting peace in the country.

Though the attacks carried out by suspected members of the sect in two villages in Borno state on Friday and Saturday raised concerns over the ceasefire, Jonathan is optimistic that the country will outlive insurgency.

Speaking during the inauguration of the 2014 Christian pilgrimage, Jonathan, who was represented by David Mark, the president of the senate, also urged the intending pilgrims to pray for a successful conduct of the 2015 election.

He added that prayers should be offered for the safe return of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls and that they should not forget that the main essence of pilgrimage was to pray and be spiritually reborn in order to live better lives and affect those around them positively.

“Do not forget the significance of pilgrimage, we need a rebirth and this rebirth must first begin with us for true transformation,” he said.

“Let us all pray for the safe release of the Chibok girls and let us also pray for the peaceful conduct of the 2015 general elections.”

He assured Nigerians that insecurity would not distract him from actualising his agenda to transform the country, adding that God was taking the lead in the fight against insecurity.

Jonathan urged Christians not to view the pilgrimage as an avenue for doing business but should maintain a clean sheet without absconding as it had been recorded over the last few years.

Responding, John Okpara, the executive secretary of the National Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), said the government of Israel has, in the last few years, commended Nigeria for having a good record.

Okpara said no pilgrim has absconded in recent times.

He expressed gratitude to God and the government for the support that the commission had received in conducting a successful pilgrimage.

He said by the time the pilgrims return, they would have become spiritually re-dedicated to God and would impart the good thing they had learnt to people around them.

Nicholas Okoh, the chairman of NCPC board and also a primate of the Anglican Church, urged all contractors and handlers to treat the pilgrims with respect.

“Pilgrims must also endeavour to be their brothers’ keeper during this pilgrimage; do not resist corrections, stay together as one,” he said.

An estimated 30,000 Nigerians are expected to partake in the spiritual exercise.