Dame Jonathan to Nigerians: Stop abusing my husband, he deserves your support

The First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, on Tuesday called on Nigerians to unite in prayers and support for President Goodluck Jonathan as he tackles the various challenges confronting the nation.
Dame Jonathan contended that rather than abuse, the President deserves the support and prayers of all to succeed.
Speaking while hosting children at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja, as part of the activities marking this year’s Children’s Day celebration, Jonathan reminded Nigerians that only God chooses leaders and therefore, they should be supported at all times.
The First Lady was apparently reacting to the barrage of criticisms that have trailed the President’s handling of the abduction of the over 200 schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno State.
She advised Nigerians: “It is bad to abuse our country and the President because God has made him the head.
“Remember that a child that abuses his father and mother is disobeying God’s commandment because the bible says in Exodus 20:12 that you should honour your father and mother so that you may live long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.
“The holy Bible is not referring to only biological parents. Any one that is older than you even for a day must be respected. Let us therefore join hands and rebuild our country Nigeria”.
Dame Jonathan also used the occasion to call on those protesting, to divert their attention to the terrorists rather than government that is already working on how to free the girls.
She said: “It is the right of every child to go to school. It is only through education that you can be able to achieve your dreams and contribute meaningfully to your community and the nation. We desire peace in our community, in our nation.
“I want you all to be ambassadors of peace in your schools and practice good manners. We have no other country than Nigeria. We therefore need to be patriotic and committed to our dear country. We should strengthen our covenant with our country as outlined in the National Pledge.
“Let us therefore be united in fighting terrorism. We should encourage our soldiers who are in the frontline to rescue our beloved daughters.”
Responding to the two letters presented to her for onward submission to President Jonathan and the leader of Boko Haram, the First Lady said: “Let me thank the children that gave me letter to give Boko Haram.
“Well, I have received your letter, but I’m not the one to give it to Boko Haram because I don’t know Boko Haram and I have never seen Boko Haram.
“But, I will give it to the Chief of Defence Staff who will submit your letter accordingly.
“To my children parliament, thank you for your letter. Thank you for your deliberation. I have received what you gave to me.
“I will make sure I pass it to the President because it is addressed to him and the other one is addressed to Boko Haram. That is why the two are different.”