We Would Have Conquered Terrorism If Only We Fought Against It Like We Fought Ebola- President

President Jonathan today at the inter-denominational church
service held at the National Ecumenical Centre, Abuja, to mark Nigeria’s 54th
Independence Anniversary coming up on Wednesday, has said Nigeria would have
defeated terrorism if only we unite against it, like we did on Ebola.

According to him, Nigerians united against the virus
irrespective of political persuasion, religion or ethnic origin and that was
why we were able to defeat it fast.

“Take the case of Ebola for example; this is a good example
all Nigerians must learn from.

“When Patrick Sawyer brought Ebola to Nigeria, it was in
Lagos that this incidence happened and in terms of politics, Lagos is an
opposition party state but the central government is the ruling party.

“From Lagos Ebola moved to Rivers State, also opposition
party state.

“But because all Nigerians fought Ebola irrespective of
political persuasion, irrespective of religion, irrespective of ethnicity, as
individuals we defeated the disease,’’ he said.

The president also commended the military for their
victories thus far, and openly frowned against some inflammatory statements and
utterances of some politicians towards terrorism.

“We will not require people to come from heaven or other
countries to solve our problems. What we require from our brothers and sisters
is to encourage our military because it is not easy.

“When people are sleeping in their houses at night, they are
busy fighting. Bullets are not badminton rackets or something.

“When I listen to some statements made by some people who
call themselves leaders, I feel sad for the country.

“We must believe that we do not have any other country
outside of Nigeria,’’ he said.