JONATHAN CONDEMNS BLAST

President Goodluck Jonathan has condemned the bomb blasts that rocked the city of Jos, Plateau State, Friday, leaving many people dead. He said the Federal Government will take all necessary actions to ensure that those responsible will be brought to justice.

The President said at a Christmas day audience with residents of the Federal Capital Territory led by Vice President Namadi Sambo that, 'Government will do everything possible to unearth those behind this unfortunate incident'.

He expressed sadness at explosions which killed many innocent Nigerians, Christians and Muslims alike, in Jos, Plateau State and sympathised with families who lost loved ones in the bomb incidents.

Noting that the Christmas season should be one of peace and forgiveness in accordance with the teachings of Jesus Christ, President Jonathan said that Nigerians must imbibe the spirit of tolerance and forgiveness for progress to be achieved in all parts of the country.

He thanked the delegation which also included the Minister of Information and Communication, Mr. Labaran Maku, the Minister of Water Resources, Mr. Obadiah Ando, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Alhaji Bala Mohammed, the Minister of State for Power, Mr. Nuhu Wya, the Senate Leader, Chief Teslim Balogun, and Senator Smart Adeyemi for the visit.

Earlier, Vice President Sambo, had prayed that God Almighty should grant President Jonathan even greater strength and wisdom in the discharge of his responsibilities. Sambo commended the tremendous progress which the nation has achieved within the six months of the President's tenure.

He also prayed for peaceful and successful elections in 2011, as well as good health for the President and his family.

Dignitaries present at the occasion included the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, wife of the Vice President, Hajia Amina Sambo, top civil servants and the FCT chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Israel Akanji.Ã¥