by Laila Ibrahim

President Goodluck Jonathan has implored Nigerians to persevere, in the face of current oil prices drop, assuring that the nation will survive the phase.

According to him, there has been a similar occurrence in the past, between 2008 to 2009 when oil pries dropped to $40 per barrel, yet the country survived, adding that the current scenario was nothing compared to that.

While worshiping at the Christ Apostolic Church, Area 1, Durumi, Abuja, for the last Sunday service for the year, Jonathan made the comments.

He said: “We have talked about the drop in global price of oil. Of course, if there is a drop in oil price, it will affect us in one way or the other. We tell our people to bear with us. It has happened before in 2008, 2009 that was almost about $40, we survived as a nation.”

“This time, by all predictions, it will not even go as low as that, we will surely survive it. The economic team is working very hard to stabilise it and we believe that although there may be temporary inconveniences, it will definitely not bring the economy down.”

The President said the challenges facing the country did not start today but somehow, instead of reducing, the problems started increasing for one reason or the other.

He added: “But I am convinced that it would have been worse than this but for your prayers. With the prayers you continue to offer to God, God will see us through.”

Speaking further, Jonathan stated that his administration will inspire of the challenges continue to do its best to ensure the nation moves forward.

“As a nation, we have not reached where we want to go, definitely not. But we are coming up with a number of policies. Those who are taking pain to look at what we are doing will agree with us that if we progress as a nation steadily in this manner, in the next four or five years, this country will be a better place.”

The President concluded, saying that even though the results of his policies are not be immediately obvious, job opportunities will continue to increase and many more young people will be engaged.

Kolapo Olapoju