B’Haram crisis temporary, says Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan,  who cancelled his planned trip to Ibadan, Oyo State, visited the scene of the explosion amidst tight security.

Jonathan was initially billed to attend the centenary birthday service of the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Odulana Odugade.

He  arrived the scene at 12.20am with the President of the Senate, David Mark, and the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Adamu Mu’Azu.

Security chiefs, led by the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.), who arrived ahead, briefed the President  and showed him the spot, where the bomb was detonated.

While speaking with journalists, Jonathan described the attacks by the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, as temporary.

He said his administration and security agencies would continue to work hard to get over it.

The President commended security agents for what he called their prompt response to   the blast.

He said, “You can see that I am here with the Senate President  and the Chairman of  the PDP,  ministers, Chief of Defence Staff   and service chiefs, and all other very senior government functionaries.

“Let us collectively express our condolences to the families of those who suffered directly  as a result of the incident.

“I am also commending security services for their prompt action. Though we lost quite a number of people, we condole with our countrymen and women. We will continue to work very hard.

“The issue of Boko Haram is temporary. Government is doing everything to make sure that we move our country forward in spite of all the distractions that want to take us backward. We promise that we will get over it.

“We also want to use this unique opportunity to plead with the media and our great men and women, to come up with enlightenment programme for our people.

“Those countries that face terror, they have developed great awareness. If there are unusual movement of vehicles and bags, they call  security men and   a lot of incidences are contained.

“So, we believe that if people will become observant and all of us become security conscious of the movement of people, we will be able to reduce some of these incidences.

“We will do our best.  The security services will continue to work very hard, and God willing, we will get over it. The issue of Boko Haram is temporary.  Surely, we will get over it.”

Jonathan did not entertain any question from the journalists.

He also visited the Asokoro General Hospital, where some of the survivors were being treated, on his way back from the scene.

PUNCHNG