By Daniel Idonor
ABUJA – President Goodluck Jonathan this morning on the occasion of Eid-El-Maulud urged Nigerians, especially public office holders to strive harder to live according to the teachings of Prophet Mohammed.

Such teaching, according to the President include eschewing greed and making the virtues of honesty, selflessness, sincerity, justice, equity and fairness to all more manifest in the performance of their official duties.

In a special message to the nation on the occasion of Eid-El-Maulud, Jonathan said that these virtues and greater dedication to duty on the part of public officials will undoubtedly help to propel Nigeria towards rapid growth and development.

The President said that “on this anniversary of the Prophet’s birth, Nigerians should collectively reflect on how the internalization and adoption of the virtues and ideals which he exemplified and taught can help the country to overcome its present challenges”.

Also, as politicians continue their campaigns for the 2011 general elections across the country, President Jonathan reaffirmed his Administration’s commitment to peaceful and credible elections.

Jonathan aeaffirmed that the Federal Government will give INEC and the nation’s security agencies all the logistics and support they require to deliver credible, violence-free polls.

He therefore urged Nigerians to play their part by being peaceful and law-abiding, and refraining from any form of malpractice during the elections.

President Jonathan said that his Administration will continue to give capable and effective leadership to the country in the countdown to the elections in April with priority attention for national security and the rehabilitation and expansion of public infrastructure.

He pledged that if his mandate is renewed for four more years, Nigerians can look forward to focused and dedicated leadership that will bequeath a legacy of great accomplishments in the areas of power supply, education, healthcare delivery, housing, transportation, economic diversification and employment creation.