UPDATED: Dr. Goodluck Jonathan Issues First Statement Since Yar'Adua's Return

"It is at times like this that all patriots must rise to the occasion and place the interest of the country above every other consideration," Jonathan said in a statement.

The Acting President’s statement reads:

ACTING PRESIDENT SALUTES NIGERIANS

The Acting President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, today assured Nigerians that the ship of state is on course. Speaking today in the State House, Presidential Villa, Abuja, on the return of President Umaru Musa Yar’adua, he thanked Nigerians for their prayers both for the president and for the nation. He said that the president’s return is a pointer to the fact that the prayers of Nigerians are working.

The Acting President called on Nigerians to continue to earnestly strive for the well being of the nation, noting "it is at times like this that all patriots must rise to the occasion, and place the interest of the country above every other consideration."

According to him, Nigeria is still battling with the pains of development and progress; therefore all hands must be on deck to ensure that the integrity of the nation is maintained at times.

Dr. Jonathan urged Nigerians to continue to work for peace, security and stability, stating that, "we have only one country that we can call our own; we must therefore single mindedly pursue our national interest at all times."

Ima Niboro
SSA Media and Publicity to the Acting President.