He also urged them to learn from citizens of other countries who do not blame their governments for any terrorist acts in their nations.
Jonathan made the disclosure in speech
delivered on his behalf by the Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory, Olajumoke Akinjide, to a team of #BringBackOurGirls campaigners led by a former Minister of Education, Oby
Ezekwesili.
He said, "It is wrong and most unfair to suggest that there was a slow reaction to this kidnapping. As Commander-in- Chief, Mr. President meets with the security chiefs almost daily and he is on constant consultation with regional and global partners on this terrorists' threat.
"That is why I want to appeal to your group and to others through this medium that it is important that genuine patriotic zeal is matched with the realistic understanding of the situation in expressing concern and sentiment on this matter and other matters of terrorism.
"As early as January 23, 2013, Mr. President at
Davos, Switzerland asked the world for help in
tackling terrorism. He later met with President Obama during the United Nations General Assembly meeting in September 2013 where he also requested for the support of the United States of America.
"Government believes that we must all come together to fight terrorism and that protest should be directed at the terrorists who have abducted our innocent daughters and deprive them of a place at the fountain of freedom in our country.
"Our security forces are among the best trained in Africa, they are making so much sacrifices in the fight against terror. As we sleep daily, they are on the field confronting the enemy. They need our support, not attack and discouragement. They are also losing their
lives.
"When terrorists see Nigerians turn on each other in blame, it gives them a huge moral boost.
We must never lose sight of the fact that the terrorists are the real enemies."
Jonathan warned the protesters and Nigerians against politicising the anti-terrorism campaign, saying nationals of other countries do not behave that way.
"We must be careful not to politicise the campaign against terrorism. When a bomb goes off in Kabul, Afghanistan, the people of Afghanistan do not blame the government, they blame the terrorists.
"When a bomb goes off in Baghdad, Iraq, the people of Iraq do not blame the government, they blame the terrorists.
"When a bomb goes off in Islamabad, Pakistan, the people of Pakistan do not blame the government, they blame the terrorists.
"When a bomb goes off in Nigeria, we must all unite to fight the terrorists. This is the task of this generation.
"Our daughters must be freed to come home to their parents and loved ones. Our daughters must be freed so that they can return to schools to receive their education.
"Our daughters must be freed so that they can return home to be with their friends and play like all children their age do.
"All Nigerians must unite against terror, whether we be male or female, old or young, North or South, irrespective of political or religious affiliation. This is our fight, we must unite. The Federal Government is united with the people of Nigeria in this fight," he added.
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