I’ll keep Nigeria united, says Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan says his administration is committed and focused in keeping Nigeria united and peaceful.

Jonathan said this in Yenagoa on Saturday during the second Bayelsa Thanksgiving Day anniversary.

The event, which took place at the mainbowl of the Samson Siasia Sports Complex, had Governor Seriake Dickson; American human rights activist, Mr. Jesse Jackson; prominent cleric, Uma Ukpai; and a host of eminent personalities in attendance.

Jonathan, represented by the Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Capt. Caleb Olubolade (retd.), said meaningful development could only take place in an atmosphere of peace and stability.

The President, who commended Dickson for his leadership and initiative for instituting a thanksgiving day in the state, emphasized the need to thank God at all levels of government for His divine protection and guidance.

Jonathan said, "With what the state government is doing in terms of projects and programmes, the Bayelsa Government is keying into the transformation agenda of the Federal Government.

"On my part as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I will remain committed and focused to keeping Nigeria united and peaceful under the banner of God who made it possible for me to be here as your elected President in that free and fair election."

He said the people must show gratitude to God for the peace being enjoyed in the country, despite what he described as "a few distractions."

He expressed the hope that Nigerians would rally round him in his quest to make the country one of the greatest economies of the world.

In his remarks, Dickson called for active participation in the celebration of the thanksgiving day, stating that the event was for every Bayelsa people, within and outside the country.