President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday urged clergymen to always pray for the country to surmount its challenges.
Jonathan made the plea in Nsukka at the burial of Mrs Paulina Eze, the mother of Senator Ayogu Eze, representing Enugu North and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works.
He said constant prayers by the clergymen and other Nigerians would go a long way in assisting the country to overcome its numerous challenges.
“When you hear of breaking news, one problem or other has befallen a country in the world.
“With prayers from clergymen and every Nigerian, the country will overcome its trials and difficulties and become a stronger nation.
“As Christians, we should always thank God in whatever situation we find ourselves,’’ he said.
The president said that he decided to attend the burial because Eze’s family was a blessing to the country.
“The number of people here today is an indication that the family of Eze had done well.
“We should always ask ourselves what we will be remembered for at the end of our stay here on earth,’’ Jonathan said.
In his remark, Senate President David Mark commended the homily of the Bishop of Nsukka Catholic Diocese, Rt Rev Godfrey Onah, which would make everyone to have a sober reflection.
Mark urged the family of Eze to take solace that their mother lived a useful life as well as brought up her children in the fear of God.
“The number of people present here today speaks volume of the good life of the mother of the senator and the good name of the bereaved family.
“I commend Mr President who in spite of his tight schedules makes out time to attend,’’ he said.
Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State said the president had always shown in many ways that “he is a friend of Enugu State’’.
Chime said the presence of the president reaffirmed the love he had for the people of the state.
“Mr President has shown in many ways that he is a good friend of Enugu people.
“Enugu people will continue to give his administration maximum support and encouragement,’’ Chime said.
He described Eze as a worthy son of the state who had given his people effective representation.
Earlier, in a homily, Onah said good Christians would not fear death since “death is the only gateway to eternity.
“Our problem most time is that we fear those who can destroy the flesh but cannot destroy the spirit.
“A good Christian fears God who has the capacity to destroy the flesh and the spirit,’’ he said.
Onah urged Nigerians to always have faith in God, noting that “no matter the handwork of the devil, Nigeria is destined to be a great country and Satan cannot stop it.
According to him, with prayers and absolute faith in God, the country will come out of all its challenges and become stronger.
The bishop advised leaders of the country to remain focused as well as fear God in everything they do.
Onah urged the family of Eze to ensure that they follow the good footsteps of their mother by remaining faithful to Jesus Christ in all circumstances.
Three bishops and about 80 catholic priests were at the funeral service.
Responding, Eze said his late mother was a known trader and farmer, who struggled to ensure that the children were educated in spite of the fact that she was not educated.
He commended Jonathan, Mark, Chime and all the people for identifying with the family at its moment of grief.
“Your prayers, condolence messages and your visits provided comfort to the family at this difficult time,’’ Eze said.
Other dignitaries at the funeral service are: Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, Governors Peter Obi of Anambra and Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo.
