BY DANIEL IDONOR

ABUJA- PRESIDENT Goodluck Ebele Jonathan said, weekend, that in the aftermath of the presidential elections, he is now focusing on building the nation, even as he, in his Easter message, urged all Nigerians to renounce violence and unite in the interest of peace and development of the country.

President Jonathan who spoke when a delegation of the G-20 Northern Political Summit Group paid a congratulatory visit to State House, said: “Now that the presidential election has been concluded, it is time to build our nation.”

He challenged political leaders in the country to work together for the common interest of the nation, adding that they should serve as the pillars upon which the future of the country would be built on.

President Jonathan said the G-20 deserved to be congratulated for “working so hard to dilute the ethnic divisions” in the country during the campaigns.

While lauding the G-20 Northern Political Summit Group for hosting the Northern Economic Summit, he said Government would consider the recommendations for implementation in order to improve the economy of the North.

Earlier, Alhaji Hassan Adamu, Wakilin Adamawa, and leader of the G-20, had congratulated President Jonathan for his success in the presidential elections, and prayed for  the success of the administration.

He said that when the group advised him to seek re-election, “we knew at that time that you were chosen by God and at that time also, we knew that nobody will beat your ticket.”

Adamu said: “We pray that Allah continue to give you and the Vice President the good health and wisdom. During your campaigns you said you will be the President for all Nigerians, therefore, it is time for all Nigerians to support you in your quest to transform this country.”

In his Easter message, Jonathan expressed warm felicitations to the nation, and Christians in particular, stressing that they should apply the lessons of peace, love, selflessness and sacrifice for the common good.

Noting that this year’s Easter comes in the midst of historic elections that will further consolidate progressive democratic governance in the country, the President urged Nigerians to seize the opportunity of the season to reflect on its lessons, forsake hate and violence, and embrace peace and unity for the successful conclusion of the elections.