Jonathan spoke at the Presidential Villa, Abuja when she received members of the Niger Delta Bishops Forum/South South Christian Association of Nigeria.
Dame Jonathan particularly appealed to Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State to fly the olive branch and resist being used by outsiders against his own people.
While giving an insight into the genesis of the crisis in the state, she reiterated the need for the warring factions to employ dialogue as a means of resolving the contending issues amicably.
The First Lady urged those who are crying more than the bereaved to stop magnifying the misunderstanding, while reiterating that Amaechi and the Minister of State for Education, Nyeson Wike, who is also from Rivers State, remain her sons, brothers and kinsmen.
Se said she would do anything to protect both of them.
She expressed her commitment to ensuring that peace returns to Rivers State soon, stating that as the President of African First Ladies Peace Mission, her desire is to have peace in her home base.
Quoting copiously from the Holy Bible, Dame Jonathan, according to a statement by her media aide, Ayo Osinlu, brought out the vital, dynamic and creative resources for peace building as ordained by God, as well as the importance of respect for elders and those in authority.
She emphasized that she has committed the situation in Rivers State to prayers “because I believe there is nothing prayer cannot do” and “when God says yes, nobody can say no”.
The First Lady, who charged the Bishops to pray that God should return Rivers State to its normal peaceful situation, expressed her faith that with God the present generation will leave a legacy of peace for generations yet unborn.
The Bishops, led by ArchBishop God-Do-Well, said that they were not influenced or bribed to pay the visit, but got inspiration from God to take practical steps to restore peace in Nigeria, especially Rivers State.
ArchBishop God Do-Well stated that their presence was in fulfillment of the church’s responsibility to shape a culture of peace and justice.
Prayers were offered for peace in Nigeria, Rivers State and the wellbeing of the first family.
Culled from The Sun newspaper
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