By Daniel Idonor

ABUJA—PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has urged Nigerians to shun sectional interests and always put the nation first, above every other interest.

The President made these remarks when he received former Minister of Information and foremost nationalist and leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, who led a delegation of prominent Nigerian politicians across the country.

President Jonathan used the occasion to extol the values of nationalism and cohesion that Chief E. K. Clark stood for over the years.
He described him as detribalized, and one who has friends and contacts in all parts of the country irrespective of tribe or association.

Alhaji M.D. Yusuf, former Inspector General of Police and former Presidential candidate, thanked the President for the warm reception accorded the delegation.

He stated that while  Clark’s comments could sometimes be hard pills to swallow, they do not detract from his sense of devotion to national integration.

Also speaking, former PDP chairman and elder statesman, Chief Solomon Lar, described Clark as a bridge-builder who believes in one indivisible Nigeria and puts the nation first in all he does.

He called on all citizens to consider the interest of the nation first, notwithstanding its multi-ethnicity.

He commended President Jonathan for his tradition of hosting elder-statesmen who have contributed to nation-building, saying the gesture should be emulated by future leaders.

Former Chairman of PDP Board of Trustees, Chief Tony Anenih, also extolled the virtues of Clark whom he described as a man of his words.

He also called on Nigerians to always speak against oppression and stand for the truth at all times, as Chief Clark has always done.

In her own contribution, former Minister of Finance, Mrs Nenadi Usman, described Clark as one of the fathers of the nation, who abhors injustice and who always speaks up no matter whose ox is gored.

She also seized the occasion to thank the President for receiving the group while praying God to guide him as he governs the nation.

In his remarks, Clark thanked President Jonathan for receiving him and his associates in spite of his tight schedule, noting that President Jonathan’s assumption of office is the handiwork of God and the Nigerian people.

He therefore, prayed the Almighty to give the President the courage and wisdom to lead the nation aright.

He enjoined all Nigerians to continue to sustain the unity of the country at all times, and do away with sectional interests pointing out that “we are one Nigeria.”