TheCable

Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday took a common stand against terrorism which is affecting Nigeria and Kenya.

They vowed that they will never be derailed.

Both spoke at the Presidential Viila, Abuja, at a joint press conference after bilateral talks.

Kenyatta is on a three-day visit to Nigeria.

Jonathan said no matter the attacks by terrorists on Nigeria, Kenya and other African countries, “the continent will never be derailed from implementing development programmes”.

Describing the acts of terror as cowardly and senseless, Jonathan and  Kenyatta said they would not to allow terror cow them and slow down development work in their countries.

Jonathan specifically applauded the courage of Kenyatta for not cancelling the state visit over the terrorist attack in Kenya on Sunday.

‎ Jonathan: “I also want to use this opportunity to express the condolence of Nigeria and government to government of Kenya on the last terror attack. For us in Nigeria we have been experiencing this dastardly acts for sometimes now.

“Kenya is beginning to experience it. We have to appreciated the courage expressed by  the President for not aborting the state visit and the invitation to the World Economic Forum because of the attack. ‎Is a clear signal from here that the attack will not stop us from moving forward.

“The act of terror in Africa is diversionary being organised by group of people that does not want the continent to move forward.

“Whenever a country i‎s showing any sign of progress, this criminal elements will strike. Yes they are setting us backward, they are slowing us down, they are killing innocent citizens, they are destroying properties. But surely‎ we will overcome and terror will not stop Africa from progressing.

“The terror attack is naturally to frighten people  ‎but as governments we will do our best to make sure that we provide maximum protection for our citizens.”

Kenyatta condoled Nigeria ‎over the recent attacks in Nigeria, said the they were aimed at cowing the people but assured that they will never succeed.