Jonathan wants religious leaders to support war against terrorism

President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday called on religious leaders to join hands with the Federal Government in the fight against terrorism in the country.

Jonathan made the call in Aboh Mbaise, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo during the requiem mass for Chief Paulinus Opara, father of John-Kennedy, Executive Secretary of National Christian Pilgrims Commission.

Jonathan, represented by Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa, said the greatest problem confronting the nation today was terrorism.

He said government would continue to play its roll in tackling the challenge, but added that the problem should not be left for government alone.

Jonathan said the late Opara, who served in the Nigerian Army, was a man with amiable qualities, adding that, he served the nation with dignity and humility. He said his legacies would speak for him even after his death.

Jonathan urged the citizens, especially public office holders, to live a life that would speak positively for them when they passed away. He urged the Opara family not to allow the demise of their patriarch to weigh them down.

Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo said that Opara lived a life worthy of emulation.

“We have come to bury a man who lived a just life; but we still need others to follow his footsteps so that they will be remembered for something good,” he said.

He urged politicians in Imo not to witch-hunt one another but to play politics that promotes unity and progress.

He commended the NCPC John-Kennedy for the roll he has been playing in bridging the gap between Christians and Muslims.

The presiding priest, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, said though death was a necessary end for everybody, what mattered most was the legacy left behind.

He said Christians would continue to pray for the nation against any form of terrorism and other national challenges.

John-Kennedy promised to continue with the good work done by his father, adding that this would reflect in the discharge of responsibilities as the executive secretary of NCPC.