Terrorists won’t deter me from transforming Nigeria – Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday vowed that activities of terrorists that have been unleashing violence on parts of the country would not deter him from the goal of transforming Nigeria into a prosperous nation.

He therefore called on all Nigerians to remain strong and resolute in defence of freedom, unity, law and order, peace, security and progress of the nation.

Jonathan made the pledge in his Eid-el-Fitri message made available to journalists in Abuja.

He said it was his wish that as Muslims celebrate Eid-el-Fitri, the lessons of Ramadan and the Holy Prophet’s teachings of piety, love, justice, fairness, equity, peaceful co-existence with others, tolerance, honesty and dedication to duty would remain with Nigerians for the benefit and greater glory of the country.

He said he felt the pains and anguish of Nigerians who have experienced the harrowing effect of terrorism but they must never surrender as the terrorists wanted.

The statement read, “Although the observance of the Holy Month was sadly tainted in parts of the country with the continuing atrocities of extremists and terrorists in our midst, I urge all patriotic Nigerians to remain strong and resolute in defence of freedom, unity, law and order, peace, security and progress of the nation.

“I feel the pains and anguish of all our compatriots who have experienced the harrowing impact of terrorism unleashed on them by brainwashed and misguided agents of evil and disunity, but we must never throw up our hands in helplessness and despair as the terrorists and purveyors of anarchy want.

“Going forward, let us all remain unwaveringly committed to showing solidarity with our Armed Forces and security agencies and giving them the full support they require to prosecute the war against terrorism to a successful conclusion.

“I assure all Nigerians, once again, that we are totally committed to winning that war, putting the scourge of terrorism and insecurity rapidly behind us and giving the fullest possible attention to the urgent task of improving the living conditions of our people in all parts of the country.

“We cannot and will not be deterred from our goal of positively transforming our nation into a strong, united, progressive, stable, secure and prosperous nation in which all citizens will live in peace in spite of our immense diversities.

“May Almighty Allah continue to bless our nation and all who have successfully undertaken this year’s Ramadan Fast.”