ILORIN (National Planning Commission Report)
The Minister/Deputy Chairman of National Planning Commission, Sulaiman Olanrewaju Abubakar (Dr) has called for perseverance from Nigerians in the face of the challenges facing the nation. He also assured that the year 2015 will bring hope for Nigeria and its people.
The Minister stated this in a new year message issued on Tuesday December 39, 2014 in Ilorin, Kwara State by his Special Assistant on Media, Abdulrahman A. Abdulrauf, expressing belief that more than anything, President Goodluck Jonathan should be credited for holding the country together, despite its teething challenges . He uttered optimism that contrary to the fear insinuated in some quarters, the 2015 general elections will herald peace into the country with President Goodluck Jonathan coasting home to victory at the polls.
“We are going through tough times in this country and at a time like this, tolerance , patience, perseverance and patriotism have their roles. I urge Nigerians to remain peaceful and refuse to be incited by any power seeking group or individuals. We can’t afford another war at this critical moment of our life because that won’t do us any good. If anything, the president should be commended for still ensuring the nation remains one amidst our myriad of challenges,” he stated.
“Yes, there are challenges bordering mainly on economic, political and even social issues. These are the challenges that are everywhere across the globe and we will have our own fair share of these in 2015 both as a nation and as a people. But, one thing I can assure you is that all these challenges will bring out the best in us and restore our hope as a people.”
The Planning Commission Minister insisted that the current security challenge is beyond President Jonathan, explaining that individuals in government and outside government have roles to play in it. He charged all Nigerians to play the roles expected of them effectively, noting that it is a transitory point in the nation’s history and should be overcome.
On the 2015 general elections, the Minister reasoned that notwithstanding the current challenges, the election will bring about the much needed peace in the country. He further disclosed that as things stand presently, President Goodluck Jonathan is the best bet by God’s grace. He indicated that the support of Nigerian people will return him to the authority.
