President Jonathan at the first Sunday service at St Stephen Anglican Church in Otuoke

President Goodluck Jonathan shrugged off the gloomy prediction of Father Ejike Mbaka last Thursday and gave assurance to Nigerians that despite the challenges confronting the nation at the moment, Nigeria will get to the Promised Land.

It was at the first Sunday service of the year, which the church-going and church loving President attended at St. Stephens Anglican Church, in his home town of Otuoke, Bayelsa State.

In his brief remark, President Jonathan said his administration would continue to tap into the potentials of the nation in order to move the nation forward.

He expressed optimism that the nation’s future was bright, despite the bumps and challenges.

He used the opportunity to thank the church and Christians for praying for the nation, acknowledging that “this period is a challenging one for the whole world”.

“I thank you for your prayers, especially at this period. This is a period the world is passing through challenges.

“We have a lot of potentials and I see a bright future for the country. Despite the challenges and bumps, Nigeria will move on and get to the promised land,” he said.

In his sermon, the officiating pastor, who is the Bishop of Ogbia Diocese, Reverend James Aye Oruwori, urged the congregation to avoid committing sin and strike a strong covenant relationship with God to be able to fight all their battles. He used the example of David and Goliath in the Bible, saying that David’s strong covenant with God gave him victory.

Bishop of Ogbia Diocese, Rt. Rev . James Oruwori meets President jonathan

He urged Nigerians to remain calm ahead of the upcoming general elections, pointing out that God had already taking a decision on the outcome. He said no one could alter the decision.

“God has written his decision on the next election, no one can change it. He wrote the decision long ago. Election is the biggest thing we are expecting this year, we must stop exhibiting fear. We should be calm and abide by God’s decision,” he noted.

Present at the service were Governor of the State, Henry Seriake Dickson, his wife, Dr Rachael Dickson, deputy governor, John Jonah, chaplain of Villa Chapel, Reverend Obiona Owuzurumba and other Presidential aides.

*reported by Channels TV