Jonathan seeks support for Buhari against terror

Former President Goodluck Jonathan wants Nigerians to support President Muhammadu Buhari in his quest to rid the country of Boko Haram insurgents.

In only his fourth Facebook statement since handing over power to Buhari, Jonathan’s message on his official Facebook page on Sunday also urged Nigerians to continue praying for peace.

“The death of any Nigerian at the hands of terrorists is a sad reminder that the war on terror is a task for all Nigerians not just the armed forces,” he said.

“I urge all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace in Nigeria and to support the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, as the government does its best to bring an end to these acts of terror and secure all Nigerians. May God bless Nigeria.”

Jonathan’s message came on the back of renewed Boko Haram onslaught on innocent citizens in the the north-east, the latest being Sunday morning’s suicide blast at a branch of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in the Jigawa area of Potiskum, Yobe state, which resulted in the death of six people.

In his first Facebook post since leaving power, made on June 1, he had thanked the congregations of St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Yenagoa and St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, Otuoke, as well as friends and family who joined him and his wife at the thanksgiving services held in their honour in Yenagoa and Otuoke.

His next, on June 7, was in honour of late Dora Akunyili, former director-general of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

“It was just a year ago that I was greeted with the shocking news of your passing,” he wrote.

“Hardly has Nigeria encountered an amazon such as you. A grateful nation remembers your services, which saved lives and advanced the cause of democracy. Continue to rest in peace, Dora Akunyili.”

His last was June 18, when he felicitated with Muslims on the commencement of Ramadan.