BY peter duru

MAKURDI – First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has said the current security challenges facing the country called for both prayers and dialogue.

Speaking, yesterday, at the flag-off of her peace and advocacy rally in Makurdi, capital of Benue State, the First Lady said: “The time has come for us all to save our country from the agonies of avoidable conflicts and the brink of war; the time is now.”

According to her, the security of the nation was the collective responsibility of all just as the time had come for all Nigerians to eschew violence that threatens the corporate existence of the country. She said: “We all have significant roles to play in our quest for peace and development.”

We must all resort to dialogue as an instrument for peace. This is pertinent and fundamental to the resolution of all conflicts.”

Jonathan also asked those in authority to devote enough time for peace advocacy, which she said was the panacea for sustainable growth and development in the country, even as she urged women in the country to champion the cause for peace.

“We cannot afford to watch while our children and husbands die before our eyes. Enough is enough. We must all work collectively to achieve peace in our land.”