Boko Haram Militants Are Not Muslims – Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said that members of the Boko Haram sect were not Muslims because no true adherents of Islam would subject the country to killings, bombings and other gory attacks the way they had done.From their modus operandi, Jonathan stated that the sect members were products of international terrorism and “not members of Islam or any other religion in Nigeria. “Those who mindlessly and indiscriminately attack worship places, schools, health workers, motor-parks, banks and ordinary road users must be seen as they truly are: the brainwashed pawns of international terrorism. They do not represent any true religion or section of the country and we must never play into their hands by succumbing to their nefarious ploys to incite religious, ethnic hatred and division among us,” the president stated. In his Easter message to Nigerians yesterday, Jonathan urged Nigerians who he described as “dear countrymen and women” to continue to exhibit restraint and understanding in the face of seeming provocations. “We must have peace, security and stability to effectively implement our agenda for national transformation in all parts of the country and we shall continue to work ceaselessly to re-establish the prerequisite conditions for nationwide progress and development.” Assuring Nigerians of the federal government’s commitment to peace in the country, the president said security agencies and the armed forces would protect the unity and territorial integrity of the country. He said, “It follows, therefore, that to successfully achieve our vision of becoming one of the most dominant nations on the global stage in the shortest possible time, we must stay together as a people and continue to effectively resist by all possible means, the evil machinations of global terrorists and their misguided domestic accomplices who seek to provoke turmoil, hatred and harmful divisions among us. “I assure Nigerians that our security agencies, armed forces and I will continue to fully discharge our constitutional responsibilities of protecting the unity and territorial integrity of this country with all the powers and forces at our disposal.” On Easter celebration, Jonathan said, “I greet and felicitate with you all as we celebrate Easter which commemorates the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ after his redemptive self-sacrifice for the eternal salvation of mankind. Irrespective of our religion or faith, all holidays provide us with a fresh opportunity to establish stronger bonds with our family, friends and all those around us for more enduring, harmonious and beneficial relationships. “As we celebrate this year’s Easter, I urge all Nigerians to rededicate themselves to living in peace and oneness with all members of their communities no matter their ethnicity, religious beliefs or places of origin.”